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 topicThe loading process for ATV4 Albert Einstein begins at the Guiana Space Centre, Kourou, French Guiana. Lift-off is set for Spring 2013. During January, the big M1 cargo bags are being loaded into ATV as part of nominal cargo loading. A second opportunity for cargo loading comes towards the end of March, when ATV will already be vertical on top of the Ariane launcher.