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 topicGalileo is a reality.
The first two satellites of the constellation were launched by the first Soyuz from French Guyane last October. Since then they have transmitted the first Galileo signals that will carry the different services to be provided by the global European navigation system. Currently these In Orbit Validation Satellites are being tested, calibrated, in particular from the ground station of Redu, Belgium.
More backgroud information can be found on: http://www.esa.int/esaNA/index.html