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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Our atmosphere has made life on Earth possible, protecting the inhabitants of the Pale Blue Dot from hazards in space. If we could ask the dinosaurs however, they'd say it's not to be relied on. Earth's thin veil keeps us safe from small asteroids, the Sun's UV rays and helps to clear up space debris in low-Earth orbit. But every now and then a bigger asteroid will strike, a huge solar storm will erupt, or a satellite will make it through its fiery return. ESA's Space Safety programme is working to protect us when this happens. ESA is there when the atmosphere isn't enough.