European Space Agency (ESA) was founded on May 30, 1975

The European Space Agency (ESA), an international organization dedicated to the exploration of space was founded on May 30, 1975.

Shortly after its formation, on August 9, 1975, the space agency ESA launched its first major scientific mission, Cos-B, a space probe monitoring gamma-ray emissions in the universe, which was first worked on by ESRO (European Space Research Organization, one of the precursors of the European Space Agency).

Today’s (May 30) story of what happened this day in Science, Technology, Astronomy, and Space Exploration history.

European Space Agency: Europe’s Gateway to Space

According to the space agency’s website, “The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its 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.”

ESA’s Headquarters are located in Paris.

Related: Human spaceflight is a risk worth taking, says ESA head

According to the ESA website, the European Space Agency’s activities are:

• Observing the Earth
• Human Spaceflight
• Launchers
• Navigation
• Space Science
• Space Engineering & Technology
• Operations
• Telecommunications & Integrated Applications
• Preparing for the Future
• Space for Climate

European Space Agency Members

The full members are (Country: Member Since, Country’s Space Agency):

1. Austria: 30 December 1986, FFG
2. Belgium: 3 October 1978, BELSPRO
3. Czech Republic: 12 November 2008, Ministry of Transport
4. Denmark: 15 September 1977, DTU Space
5. Estonia: 4 February 2015, ESO
6. Finland: 1 January 1995, TEM
7. France: 30 October 1980, CNES
8. Germany: 26 July 1977, DLR
9. Greece: 9 March 2005, HSA
10. Hungary: 24 February 2015, HSO
11. Republic of Ireland: 10 December 1980, EI
12. Italy: 20 February 1978, ASI
13. Luxembourg: 30 June 2005, Luxinnovation
14. Netherlands: 6 February 1979, NSO
15. Norway: 30 December 1986, NSA
16. Poland: 19 November 2012, POLSA
17. Portugal: 14 November, FCT
18. Romania: 22 December 2011, ROSA
19. Spain: 7 February 1979, INTA
20. Sweden: 6 April 1976, SNSA
21. Switzerland: 19 November 1976, SSO
22. United Kingdom: 28 March 1978, UKSA

Related: ESA’s Gaia has Created the Most Detailed Map of the Milky Way

May 30 in Science, Technology, Astronomy, and Space Exploration history

• 1975: The European Space Agency (ESA) was founded.
• 1971: Mariner 9, the first spacecraft to orbit Mars was launched.

Sources

• European Space Agency official website
• European Space Agency on Wikipedia

• Author
• Recent Posts

M. Özgür Nevres

I am a software developer and a science enthusiast. I was graduated from the Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Computer Engineering. In the past, I worked at the Istanbul Technical University Science Center as a science instructor. I write about the planet Earth and science on this website, ourplnt.com. I am also an animal lover! I take care of stray cats & dogs. This website's all income goes directly to our furry friends. Please consider supporting me on Patreon, so I can help more animals!

Latest posts by M. Özgür Nevres (see all)

• Space Shuttle Endeavour’s Touchdown Meets Columbia’s Salute [An amazing photo from the past] - February 29, 2024
• Moon Landings: All-Time List [1966-2024] - February 23, 2024
• From Orbit to Ordinary: 10 Earthly Applications of Space Technology - January 23, 2024