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 topicESA Highlights 2012
In less than a year ESA has launched several missions and made history at least twice, in particular in the launchers domain.
The former soviet Soyuz has now its own pad at Europe's Spaceport in Kouroy, French Guiana, where the new Vega also made its successful qualification flight.
This Video looks back at ESA's recent achievements, illustrating the diversity and the importance of Space, and ESA, for Europeans.