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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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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Don’t blink, you might miss it. ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer has his eyes examined by NASA astronaut Kayla Barron aboard the International Space Station.
During the tonometry eye exam, astronauts measure intraocular pressure by gently tapping the eye with an instrument called a tonometer. As the crew medical officer, Kayla is trained in this examination and received guidance from a medical team on the ground.
This exam is part of regular medical testing that astronauts undertake while in orbit. It helps identify and track any changes in eye pressure over time. Closely monitoring astronaut health in orbit is important. Along with regular exercise and a balanced diet, it ensures astronauts remain fit, healthy and in the best condition to support science and operations throughout their time in space.
Matthias and Kayla were launched to the International Space Station as members of Crew-3, alongside NASA astronauts Raja Chari and Tom Marshburn, on 11 November 2021. They will spend approximately six months living and working in orbit before returning to Earth in Crew Dragon capsule Endurance.
For more about Matthias and his Cosmic Kiss mission, visit the Cosmic Kiss mission page on the ESA portal.