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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On the 8 March 2001 the Space Shuttle Discovery launched at the start of the STS-102 mission to take up the MPLM Leonardo to the International Space Station and to swap the Expedition One crew with the Expedition Two crew. The STS-102 crew comprises of: Paul Richards, MIssion Specialist; Andy Thomas, Mission Specialist; Jim Kelly, Pilot; Jim Weatherbee, Commander. The Expedition Two crew comprises of Commander Yury Usachev, Susan Helms and Flight Engineer James Voss.
This NASA-TV downlink are the Flight Day One highlights of the STS-102 mission, a compilation of the best images of crew launch preparations, final countdown and lift-off of Shuttle Discovery.
Shuttle on launch pad, against night sky.
NASA's JFK Space Centre.
STS-102 Crew and Expedition Two Crew at breakfast.
Crew suit-up.
Crew walk-out.
Crew getting seated on board Discovery.
JFK Control Centre.
Countdown and launch of Shuttle Discovery.