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 topicPreview on Space 2009 Format 4:3 This story outlines the main missions ESA is planning this year. It will be a very busy and interesting year in many different fields. For example in Science Ariane will launch the spacecrafts Herschel and Planck to probe the invisible far infrared and microwave Universe. In Earth Observation GOCE will be launched to study the earth gravity field and later this year SMOS and Cryosat will be sent on orbit , new key missions to understand our fragile planet. 2009 will also be an important year in space for European astronauts since Frank De Winne and Christer Fuglesang will both stay aboard the International Space Station.