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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Launched in 2005, ESA’s Venus Express spacecraft has been able to observe the Earth’s so called 'sister' planet from a unique point of view: on orbit around Venus itself. This mission has provided the scientists with confirmation of theories on how Venus became so inhospitable. But in the course of these studies many surprises have emerged.