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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Left to right : Antonio Fabrizi, ESA Director of Launchers, Andreas Rohne, Director of Propulsion and Equipement - Astrium Space Transportation, Francesco De Pasquale, ELV SpA Managing Director (representing Sergio Scippa, Avio Head of Commercial Operations Space Division), and Martin Sion, Snecma Director of Space Engines Division.
On 22 June 2011, ESA and the Joint Propulsion Team – a consortium of Astrium GmbH, Avio SpA and Snecma (Safran Group), signed a €60 million contract at the Paris Air & Space Show to continue the development of the High-Thrust Engine, the main engine to power Europe’s Next-Generation Launcher.
The contract signing moves the High-Thrust Engine to the next phase: the engine’s preliminary design reviews.