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 topicAnalysing exoplanet atmospheres
ESA’s mission Ariel, Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey, will inspect the atmospheres of a thousand planets in our galaxy orbiting stars other than the Sun. Ariel will reveal the ingredients of their atmospheres and the presence of clouds, and monitor how weather conditions change over time. From rocky to gas-giant exoplanets, Ariel will deepen our understanding of these distant worlds.