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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Looking at a decade of European science on the International Space Station with the Columbus laboratory.
Columbus houses as many disciplines as possible in a small volume, from astrobiology to solar science through metallurgy and psychology – more than 225 experiments have been carried out during this remarkable decade. Countless papers have been published drawing conclusions from experiments performed in Columbus.
From circadian rhythms and new temperature sensors to edible algae as astronaut food through running experiments to grow crystals and investigate processes in a pure environment without gravity interfering with the process – Columbus helping scientists push the boundaries of what is possible and increase our knowledge for life on Earth.
More about Columbus here: esa.int/Columbus