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 topicESA astronaut Matthias Maurer’s first mission to the International Space Station
ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer launched to the International Space Station at 02:03 GMT/03:03 CET, Thursday 11 November 2021 for a mission called Cosmic Kiss. He returned 177 days later, splashing down in Crew Dragon Endurance in the Gulf of Mexico at 04:43 GMT/06:43 CEST Friday 6 May 2022.
Cosmic Kiss was the first space mission for Matthias. His Crew-3 crew mates were NASA astronauts Raja Chari, Thomas Marshburn and Kayla Barron.
During his time in orbit, Matthias supported over 35 European experiments and even more international experiments on board. The outcomes of these experiments will advance our knowledge in areas ranging from human health to materials science, benefiting life on Earth and the future of space exploration.
Launch: 02:03 GMT/03:03 CET Thursday, 11 November 2021
Launch site: Florida, USA
Spacecraft: SpaceX Crew Dragon Endurance
Expeditions: 66/67
Crewmates: NASA astronauts Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn and Kayla Barron
Landing: 04:43 GMT/06:43 CEST Friday, 6 May 2022