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 topic
Italian President Giorgio Napolitano spoke to the two Italian astronauts, Paolo Nespoli and Roberto Vittori, aboard the Space Station, just before Paolo's departure.
The President was welcomed by Soyuz Commander Dmitri Kondratyev and Shuttle Commander Mark Kelly congratulated him on the 150 years of Italian unity.
Il Presidente della Repubblica Italiana Giorgio Napolitano ha parlato dal Quirinale con i due astronauti italiani, Paolo Nespoli e Roberto Vittori, a bordo della Stazione Spaziale, poco prima della partenza di Paolo per il rientro. Il Presidente è stato salutato dal Comandante della Soyuz Dmitry Kondratyev e dal Comandante dello Shuttle Mark Kelly che si è congratulato con lui per i 150 anni dell'unità d'Italia.