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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Space Rider is an uncrewed robotic laboratory about the size of two minivans. After launch on Vega-C, this reusable spacecraft will stay in low orbit for about two months, conducting research in microgravity or observing the Earth or deep space. At the end of its mission, Space Rider will return to Earth with its payloads to be unloaded and refurbished for another flight.