European Space Agency

The European Space Agency (ESA) manages Europe's journey into space. Its mission is to develop Europe's space capability by engaging in space research and developing satellite-based technologies and services that promote European industries. Although the agency maintains close ties with the EU, it is not directly affiliated with it. ESA has 17 member states--by coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its member sates, it manages programs that extend beyond the capability of any single member country. ESA's 17 members include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK.