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
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Explore the International Space Station’s Cupola module in 360 degrees while ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer lifts weights in weightlessness. This 360 timelapse video was shot over 53 minutes, at a rate one frame every two seconds, as Matthias completed a workout on the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED).
Pan to watch the world go by as the Station orbits Earth at around 28 000 km/h, then see how Matthias keeps his muscles and bones healthy for a safe return to Earth.
Exercise is an important part of an astronaut’s daily routine. It not only keeps them fit and ready for demanding tasks like a spacewalk, but it also helps to combat bone and muscle loss caused by a prolonged stay in orbit. ARED is one of several exercise devices astronauts use on Station. They also have a treadmill called T2 and an exercycle known as CEVIS.
Matthias was launched to the International Space Station on Crew Dragon Endurance as part of Crew-3 at 02:03 GMT/03:03 CET Thursday 11 November.
His ESA mission on board is known as Cosmic Kiss and will see him live and work for approximately six months in orbit.