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 fourth in ESA's series of five Automated Transfer Vehicles was launched on June 5th, 2013 and is on its way to the International Space Station. Carried into orbit onboard an Ariane 5 launcher from Europe's spaceport in French Guiana, it'll take ten days to reach the ISS. After an automated rendezvous and docking procedure, ATV's cargo of essential supplies for the station will be unloaded. It will remain attached to the station, providing the crew with extra working and stowage space, before undocking and burning up over the Pacific Ocean in October.