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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This photo was taken at ESA’s ESOC mission control centre at 15:20 GMT (17:20 CEST) on 29 September, when there were just 20 hours left in Rosetta’s flight operations.
The spacecraft is set to complete its historic mission in a controlled descent to the surface of comet 67P/C-G on 30 September, with the end of mission confirmation predicted to be within 20 minutes of 11:20 GMT (13:20 CEST).
For full details on how, where and when to follow mission progress live via webcast and social media on Friday, access our ‘How To Watch’ guide .