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 topicOn 24 December 1979 Ariane made its first flight from French Guyane marking the beginning of 30 years of success and giving Europe a guaranteed independant access to Space. With Ariane ESA could develop its own programmes in many different domains: Telecommunications, Earth Observation, Science and Exploration. With Ariane Europe was the pionneer in the civil launch space market, with the creation of Arianespace, which is now the world leading space transportation company.