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 topicAll is set for the third mission of Europe's Automated Transfer Vehicle. On March 23rd, ATV-3, named the Edoardo Amaldi, is due to lift off from Kourou on the first launch of an Ariane 5 this year. The space freighter and service vehicle will again be carrying a record consignment of dry cargo and propellants to the International Space Station. Aboard the ISS, ESA astronaut André Kuipers will be ready to monitor the docking when it arrives.