The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Established in 1975, ESA is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space, with its headquarters in Paris, France. ESA’s 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. [Source]

• Hera Mission: Launched in October 2024, Hera is ESA’s planetary defense mission to study the binary asteroid system Didymos and its moonlet Dimorphos, following NASA’s DART mission. Hera aims to investigate the impact outcome and assess the effectiveness of asteroid deflection strategies. [Source]
• Proba-3: ESA’s Proba-3 mission, launched in late 2024, consists of two spacecraft flying in formation to study the Sun’s corona by creating artificial solar eclipses. This mission aims to provide unprecedented observations of the solar atmosphere. [Source]
• Ariane 6 Launch Vehicle: ESA’s next-generation heavy-lift launch vehicle, Ariane 6, successfully completed its inaugural flight in July 2024, restoring Europe’s independent access to space and enhancing its launch capabilities. [Source]

ESA collaborates with various international partners to advance space exploration and research:

• ISRO Partnership: ESA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have signed a Statement of Will for Cooperation, focusing on exploring Low Earth Orbit (LEO), astronaut training, and analog space missions. [Source]
• NASA Collaboration: ESA works closely with NASA on missions like the International Space Station (ISS), the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Artemis program, contributing the European Service Module for the Orion spacecraft. [Source]

• Space-Based Surveillance: ESA operates a constellation of satellites for Earth observation, climate monitoring, and security applications, contributing to global environmental and safety efforts. [Source]
• Space Agriculture Research: In collaboration with ISRO and NASA, ESA is involved in experiments aboard the ISS to grow superfoods like green gram and fenugreek in microgravity, aiming to develop sustainable food solutions for long-duration space missions. [Source]

• Reusable Launch Vehicle Development: ESA is investing in the development of reusable launch systems to reduce the cost of access to space and enhance Europe’s autonomous launch capabilities. [Source]
• Space Station Plans: ESA is exploring the possibility of establishing its own space station or participating in future international space habitats, aiming to expand Europe’s presence in human spaceflight and research. [Source]

For more detailed information and updates on ESA’s missions and programs, you can visit their official website.