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 topicIn the 19th century, the discovery of the Rosetta Stone unlocked the secrets of Egyptian hieroglyphs. Today, 21st century scientists are hoping that the Rosetta mission will unlock the secrets of the oldest 'building blocks' of our Solar System - the comets - and their origins and influence on our planet.