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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From 400 km above the surface of Earth, ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano talked with high-school students during the finals of the Volare Space Robotics Challenge.
Seven teams entered remote-controlled robots that battled on a mock-up of the International Space Station. Their mission: to unload cargo from ESA’s Automated Transfer Vehicle as quickly as possible while avoiding objects.
Students at ‘ground control’ gave instructions wirelessly from the control centre next door. Multipliers added more strategy to the competition.
The two-day event was the culmination of lots of hard work from the seven teams of high-school students. The highlight for many students was visiting ESA’s laboratories and of course a live call with ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano straight from the International Space Station.