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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In 2009, volcanologist Alexander Gerst from Germany became a member of the European Space Agency's Astronaut Corps.
Having undergone a rigorous international training programme, on 28 May 2014 he'll be launched to the International Space Station on a long-duration mission – becoming the second of ESA's new generation of astronauts to travel into orbit.
This video recalls the career of Alexander and show several parts of his training. It includes interviews with Alexander in English and German