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
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Albert Einstein, the fourth of ESA's Automated Transfer Vehicles in a series of 5, awaits launch to the International Space Station onboard an Ariane 5. Filled to capacity, it's the heaviest spacecraft carried by this launcher to date. After an automated docking procedure overseen by ESA's Luca Parmitano - who'll be onboard the ISS - Albert Einstein's cargo of vital supplies will be unloaded. It'll remain attached until October, before undocking and burning up over the Pacific Ocean. ESA's ATV will shortly be adapted to function as the service module on NASA's Orion crew vehicle.