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ESA’s first Scout mission, HydroGNSS, was launched on 28 November 2025, marking a significant step in advancing global understanding of water availability and the effects of climate change on Earth’s water cycle.

The two twin HydroGNSS satellites were carried into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, US.

Embracing the New Space concept, HydroGNSS is one of ESA’s new Scout missions being developed within the Earth Observation FutureEO programme.

Watch the replay of the opening session of the European Space Agency’s Ministerial Council, which took place on 26 Nov 2025 in Bremen, Germany.

Watch the replay of the opening session of the European Space Agency’s Ministerial Council, which took place on 26 Nov 2025 in Bremen, Germany.

We are the European Space Agency, committed to peacefully exploring and using space to benefit everyone. Since our creation as an intergovernmental organisation in 1975, we've been championing European scientific and industrial interests in space.

What does ESA do?

In short, ESA’s job is to draw up the European space programme and carry it through. ESA's programmes are designed to find out more about Earth, its immediate space environment, our Solar System and the Universe, as well as to develop satellite-based technologies and services, and to promote European industries. ESA also works closely with space organisations outside Europe.

Who belongs to ESA?

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Slovakia, Latvia and Lithuania are Associate Members. Canada takes part in some projects under a cooperation agreement. Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Malta have cooperation agreements with ESA.

Where do ESA’s funds come from?

ESA’s mandatory activities (space science programmes and the general budget) are funded by a financial contribution from all the Agency’s Member States, calculated in accordance with each country’s gross national product. In addition, ESA conducts a number of optional programmes. Each Member State decides in which optional programme they wish to participate and the amount they wish to contribute.

How big is ESA’s budget?

ESA's budget for 2025 is €7.68 billion. ESA operates on the basis of geographical return, i.e. it invests in each Member State, through industrial contracts for space programmes, an amount more or less equivalent to each country’s contribution. 

On 26–27 November, the ESA Ministerial Council will take place in Bremen, Germany. Key decisions will be made about the future activities of the European Space Agency within the frame of ESA’s Strategy 2040. Dietmar Pilz outlines how these decisions will shape the future of Technology, Engineering and Quality.