ESA

The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organisation dedicated to the exploration of space, with the mission to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space delivers benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. Established in 1975, ESA was formed from the merger of the European Launcher Development Organisation (ELDO) and the European Space Research Organisation (ESRO). The agency brings together the financial and intellectual resources of its 22 member states to undertake programmes and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country. Its headquarters are located in Paris, France, with major centres in the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, each with distinct responsibilities ranging from space science and technology to Earth observation and mission control.

ESA's activities are broad and ambitious, covering all areas of the space sector. The agency is responsible for developing launchers, spacecraft, and the necessary ground facilities to keep Europe at the forefront of global space activities. Key programme areas include Space Science, Human and Robotic Exploration, Earth Observation, Telecommunications & Integrated Applications, Navigation, and Space Safety. Notable missions and projects include the development of the Ariane and Vega launcher families, participation in the International Space Station (ISS) with the Columbus laboratory, and a series of successful scientific missions like Mars Express, Rosetta, and the Hubble Space Telescope, often in cooperation with international partners like NASA. Through its programmes, ESA gathers invaluable data about Earth, the solar system, and the universe, while simultaneously fostering innovation, competitiveness, and technological advancement within European industry.