European Space AgencyEuropean organisation dedicated to space explorationThe European Space Agency (ESA; pronounced ) is a 23-member international organisation devoted to space exploration. It has its headquarters in Paris and a staff of around 3,000 people globally as of 2025. ESA was founded in 1975 in the context of European integration. Its 2026 annual budget was around €8.3 billion.
RoscosmosSpace agency of RussiaThe State Corporation for Space Activities, commonly known as Roscosmos (Роскосмос), is a state corporation of the Russian Federation responsible for space flights, cosmonautics programs, and aerospace research. Roscosmos inherited the bulk of the vast Soviet space program following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Outer spaceVoid between celestial bodiesFor other uses, see Outer space (other).Being essentially empty, outer space allows the earliest (redder) galaxies to be viewed without obstruction, as in the Webb's First Deep Field image.Outer space, or simply space, is the expanse that exists beyond Earth's atmosphere and between celestial bodies.
China National Space AdministrationThe China National Space Administration (CNSA) is the national space agency of China. Headquartered in Haidian, Beijing, it is responsible for China's civil space programs and international space cooperation. The CNSA is a national bureau under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
NASAAmerican space and aeronautics agencyThe National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA; ) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for the United States' civil space program, as well as research in aeronautics and space. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., NASA operates ten field centers across the US and is organized into three mission directorates: Human Spaceflight, Research and Technology, and Science.
UK Space AgencySpace agency of the UK GovernmentThe UK Space Agency (UKSA) is a unit within the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (DSIT), responsible for the United Kingdom's civil space programme. It was established on 1 April 2010 as an executive agency to replace the British National Space Centre (BNSC) and took over responsibility for government policy and key budgets for space exploration; it represents the United Kingdom in all negotiations on space matters.
ISROThe Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO ) is the national space agency of India, headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It serves as the principal research and development arm of the Department of Space (DoS), overseen by the Prime Minister of India, with the Chairman of ISRO also working as the chief executive of the DoS.
Remote sensingRemote sensing is the acquisition of information about an object or phenomenon without making physical contact with the object, in contrast to in situ or on-site observation. The term is applied especially to acquiring information about Earth and other planets.
JAXAThe Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is the operator of the Japanese space program and Japan's national aeronautics research agency. It was formed in 2003 through the merger of the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, the National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan, and the National Space Development Agency of Japan. JAXA has conducted missions including the SELENE lunar orbiter, the SLIM lunar lander and rovers, and the Hayabusa asteroid missions.
Space explorationInvestigation of outer spaceBuzz Aldrin taking a core sample of the Moon during the 1969 Apollo 11 missionSelf-portrait of Curiosity rover on Mars's surface, 2012
Vega (rocket)European Space Agency launch systemVega (Italian: Vettore Europeo di Generazione Avanzata, French: Vecteur européen de génération avancée, lit. 'Vector European Generation Advanced') was a European expendable small-lift launch vehicle developed by Avio and operated by Arianespace for the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Italian Space Agency (ASI).
Ariane 6Ariane 6 (French:) is a European expendable launch system developed for the European Space Agency (ESA) and French Space Agency (CNES) and manufactured by a consortium of European companies, led by the prime contractor ArianeGroup. As part of the Ariane rocket family, it is operated by Arianespace, replacing the Ariane 5.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.