The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe's gateway to space. Established in 1975 as an intergovernmental organisation, ESA shapes the development of Europe's space capability and ensures that investment in space delivers benefits to European citizens and the world. The agency coordinates the financial and intellectual resources of its 22 Member States, undertaking programmes and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country. ESA develops launchers, spacecraft and ground facilities that keep Europe at the forefront of global space activities, launching satellites for Earth observation, navigation, telecommunications and astronomy.
ESA sends probes to the far reaches of the Solar System and cooperates in human space exploration, including the International Space Station. With around 3,000 staff across multiple European centres in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium and the United Kingdom, ESA operates on an annual budget of €7.68 billion. The agency combines scientific discovery with practical applications, from monitoring Earth's climate to enabling global connectivity. ESA's work drives growth, supports high-value jobs, fosters innovation and critical skills, and secures Europe's strategic autonomy in space.
