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 topicEver wondered about ATV Edoardo Amaldi's journey so far? This short video shows its construction at EADS Astrium in Bremen, Germany all the way to the pre-launch preparations in Europe's Spaceport, CNES, in French Guiana. ATV-3 is due for launch on 23 March 2012 at 05.34 CET, and it will carry a record load of over 7 tonnes into orbit.