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
Join Christian Hollingham for a complete replay of the successful launch of ESA astronaut, Andre Kuipers, on 21 December 2011. Kuipers was launched into orbit along with NASA astronaut Don Pettit and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko atop a Soyuz launcher, which lifted off at 2.16pm CET. As part of the PromISSe mission, Kuipers will be flight engineer for the duration. During the launch there are several views of the crew inside the TMA-03M spacecraft, along with extensive coverage of ground control in Baikonur, Kazakhstan.
In the days between launch and docking their spacecraft will circle the globe 35 times, performing three major engine burns as its orbit is adjusted for docking with the International Space Station. Kuipers and his fellow crew members will dock with the ISS on 23 December 2011, and will be met by three crew members already in orbit. Andre, Don and Oleg will be aboard ISS for almost six months as part of expeditions 30 and 31.