ESA has set five goals to achieve by 2040. Goal 2 is to Explore and Discover. 

By pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and exploring the farthest reaches of the cosmos, ESA helps answer humanity’s most fundamental questions, revealing the origins of our Universe, our planet and life itself and inspiring generations across Europe and beyond. 

At the ESA Council at Ministerial Level held on 26 and 27 November 2025, ESA and its Member States will take key decisions to accelerate European space exploration as part of Strategy 2040. 

Learn more about ESA’s Strategy 2040 here. 

Access all Five Goals videos.