Jean-Jacques Dordain, Director General of the European Space Agency:

“The European Space Agency provides an essential service to Europe and its citizens. It promotes the technologies on which our future depends, contributes to an understanding of our planet and ensures Europe will be part of the next, vital stages in space exploration. ESA's strength lies in its very nature: a truly international organisation powered by highly motivated staff from a variety of cultures, leading to a unique savoir-faire. Space has become a crucial tool in addressing the global challenges the world is facing and will continue to face in the decades ahead. Through ESA, we can help make 'our spaceship', the Earth, a better place to live in. It is a privilege for me to lead such an Agency.”