Josef Aschbacher
@josefaschbacher
The Director General of the European Space Agency
On 18 August, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot will take her first spacewalk. A remarkable moment for Sophie, for @esa.int, and for all those who believe that space exploration is an undeniable part of our future.
#DYK that ESA makes its own solar eclipses? In just a couple of days, parts of Europe will be mesmerised by a rare total solar eclipse. Beyond the “wow” factor this provides for its spectators, eclipses give scientists a unique opportunity to study the Sun’s corona. www.esa.int/Enabling_Sup...
Latest Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite imagery from 26 July shows some encouraging signs around the Cebreros ground station, where wildfire activity has subsided.
Based on current information, the Cebreros station appears to have remained unharmed. My deepest thanks go to the Spanish emergency services whose efforts helped protect the site as wildfires approached. Left: 24 July 19:57, Right: 25 July 07:54
Poland’s success is Europe’s success. A landmark day in Warsaw: @esa.int announced its first centre outside the founding Member States. This new Space Centre will boost innovation, research, industry and security—strengthening Poland’s space sector and Europe’s future.
A Union Flag that travelled to space and back. Presented HM King Charles III with the flag that flew to the International Space Station and returned to Earth Space investment drives science, jobs, technology and sustainability Proud to see @esa.int helping power Harwell's thriving space ecosystem
The future of space exploration was at the core of our meeting with @astrolucasalvo.bsky.social and @adolfo_urso in Rome. With @esa.int at the heart of #Artemis, I’m proud that Luca is the European astronaut assigned to #ArtemisIII The next giant leap will have an even stronger European heartbeat.
Recent changes to the Artemis architecture signal a rapidly shifting landscape in human space exploration, underscoring a broader reality: Europe has become too exposed to decisions beyond its control. Read my latest article: www.linkedin.com/pulse/we-pil...
Them: Tell me Europe is mission-critical to bringing humanity back to the Moon without telling me Europe is mission-critical to bringing humanity back to the Moon. Me:
For the first time in more than half a century, humanity is reaching beyond Earth once again – not just to return to the Moon, but to redefine what is possible together. www.esa.int/Science_Expl... #Artemis
It’s no surprise that one of the most defining memories of my childhood is the Apollo 11 Moon landing. I was just a little kid. I can still place myself there: lying in the steep field behind my family’s farmhouse in Tyrol, a wide-eyed child staring up at the night sky in disbelief and wonder.
You’re gonna want to turn the sound on for this one 🔊 Europe’s contribution to #Artemis is powerful, precise, and built for deep space. With the European Service Module powering Orion, Europe isn’t just watching history unfold. It’s creating it. Delivered by ESA, built by Europeans. L-12 🚀
⏱️Under 48 hours to Artemis II A big moment for human exploration and for Europe’s role in returning to the Moon. At the ❤️ of Orion is the European Service Module: delivered by ESA and built by 10 Member States across Europe. The 🌑 is not a short term endeavour. Europe is in it for the long run.
Council has elected Juan Carlos Cortés Pulido from Spain as the new ESA Council Chair, with Tanja Permozer from Slovenia and Kimmo Kanto from Finland as Vice-Chairs, taking up duty on 1 July 2026. Congratulations and thank you all for your dedication to bring the benefits of space to Europeans.
The precision of Hubble with the expansive vision of Euclid has got me stopping in my tracks this morning. Amazing! www.esa.int/Science_Expl...
🚀🌍Congrats Sophie on officially kicking off her #εpsilon mission! She's now ready to make history with what is set to be the longest ESA astronaut mission to date. Sophie: we’re cheering you on as you advance science, represent Europe in space, and inspire future generations!
As Sophie walks out to the launchpad, the French flag on her shoulder and the ESA emblem on her suit say it all - national pride and European unity, together in orbit. As DG of @esa.int, I couldn’t be prouder. Bon voyage, Sophie. Europe is with you every step of the way 🚀
I had a constructive first meeting in Washington, D.C. with my counterpart at NASA, Administrator Jared Isaacman. We had a very constructive discussion on space exploration and are fully aligned on our shared objectives: the Moon, LEO, and Mars. Looking forward to continuing the discussions.
🚀 #Crew12 launch postponed, but while we wait for the weather to cooperate for Sophie Adenot's launch, let your eyes wander to the best seat in orbit: the Cupola aboard the ISS.
Watching ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games was deeply moving. In a segment devoted to science, exploration, curiosity, and discovery, it felt like a reminder of the very best of humanity. #MilanoCortina2026 📸copyright: @Olympics, via X
An honour to have joined President Macron at the Elysée Palace to celebrate the upcoming launch of ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot to the International Space Station.
ESA will sacrifice a satellite the size of a washing machine – and fit with 200 sensors and 4 cameras – ending its life about 12 hours after it's been put in orbit. All in the name of sustainability. Draco could be pushing Proba-3 out as the new favourite :) www.space.com/space-explor...
We shouldn’t have favourite missions…but we all secretly do, don’t we? 😉
While we publish new images and stories almost around the clock, it is nice to take a step back and spend time on some of the most exciting moments of 2025. Scroll through @esa.int's Highlights 2025 👇 esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/corpora...
Ministers and high-level representatives from across Europe and from Canada kicked-off @esa.int’s Council at Ministerial level in Bremen yesterday to define the Agency’s budget and programmatic priorities for the coming 3 years–decisions that will shape Europe’s role in space for the decade ahead.
Over the coming days, the decisions taken in this room will define Europe’s trajectory for decades to come. How will we demonstrate the leadership our citizens expect from us? Will we transform the immense potential of space into real benefits for our economies and our people? Watch this space #CM25