The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
Go to topicHighlights from ATV Launch 9 March ESA TV Exchanges After a successful launch on Ariane 5 last Sunday from Kourou, the European-built "Jules Verne" Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV), is now on its own in space headed for rendez-vous with the International Space Station. After a complex series of test manoevres, it is scheduled to dock with the ISS on April 3. This exchange shows the best of this historical launch for Europe.