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
Go to topicOn the 12 July 2001, ESA's next-generation telecommunications satellite, Artemis (Advanced Relay and Technology Satellite) will be launched on Ariane 5. The ESA TV Service has produced a series of three pre-event Exchange Programmes with background footage on this satellite. The first programme puts Artemis into the historic context of the development of satellite telecommunications since the launch of Sputnik in 1957, and into that of ESA's space application activities. Soundbites by Pietro Lo Galbo, Head of ESA's Telecommunications Department, outline the progress made in satellite communications and ESA's role in this segment dominated by commercial operators.