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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The first of ESA's new generation of astronauts, Luca Parmitano from Italy, is about to undergo a long-duration stay onboard the ISS. After what will be the second ever same-day launch and docking to the station in a Russian Soyuz capsule, Parmitano's duties as flight engineer will include overseeing the docking of ESA's penultimate Automated Transfer Vehicle and two spacewalks. During six months in orbit he'll also be carrying out an intensive programme of experiments in microgravity.