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
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The ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli is aboard the International Space Station since last December.
He is busy with research and maintenance, welcoming visiting spacecraft and helping to finish the Space Station's construction, but he has also time for several educational activities. This story shows what Paolo is doing to inspire young people from Space with Mission X and Greenhouse in Space projects.
Astronauts are good role models for promoting healthy eating and regular exercise and Space Station is an interesting environment for growing lettuce - with an unexpected surprise.