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 22 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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Timelapse showing the Orbital Science's Cygnus Orb-2 spacecraft departing from the International Space Station on 15 August 2014.
ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst set up a camera to shoot a series of photographs whilst he and his Expedition 40 colleague NASA's Reid Wiseman operated the Station's robotic arm to manoeuvre the visiting cargo spacecraft into position for release.
A couple of days later, Cygnus Orb-2 burnt up in Earth's atmosphere during a destructive reentry.