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 topic30 July. Preparations for Flight 162. SMART-1 is lowered onto its cone-shaped adapter that will serve as the interface with the Ariane 5 launch vehicle. This action photo clearly shows the adapter's four springs, which will be compressed under the weight of SMART-1. During the mission, these springs will provide the separation "push" for SMART-1 when the satellite is released from Ariane 5.