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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Space Shuttle "Endeavour" lifted off yesterday on her last mission to the International Space Station.
Following launch of the STS-134 mission at 12:56 GMT (14:56 CEST), "Endeavour" is heading towards a docking with the Station at 10:15 GMT (12:15 CEST) on Wednesday, 18 May. ESA astronaut Roberto Vittori and his five crew mates will spend 16 days in space on a mission to deliver a highly sophisticated European instrument, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS).
Welcoming him aboard the International Space Station (ISS) will be fellow Italian ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli, who has been working aboard since December.