European Space Agency—ESA

Abstract

European Space Agency (ESA) was established in 1975 to provide for, and to promote, European co-operation in space research and technology, and their applications, for exclusively peaceful purposes. The Council is composed of representatives of the national bodies responsible for space of all member states. ESA’s activities are divided into the following Directorates, each headed by a Director who reports directly to the Director-General: Earth Observation Programmes; Technical, Engineering and Quality; Human and Robotic Exploration; Industry, Procurement and Legal Services; Internal Services; Navigation; Commercialisation, Industry and Procurement; Space Operations; Science; Space Transportation; and Telecommunications and Integrated Applications. ESA’s core tasks are to define and put into effect a long-term European space policy of scientific research and technological development, and to encourage all members to co-ordinate their national programmes with those of the Agency to ensure that Europe maintains a competitive position in the field of space technology.