European Space Agency

Intergovernmental agency coordinating European space programs across science, Earth observation, navigation, telecommunications, and human spaceflight

8 LAUNCHES 3,000 EMPLOYEES * 1975 FOUNDED
SITREP

European Space Agency is a government company active in planetary exploration, launch services, and satellite communications. Based in Paris, France, it was founded in 1975. Across the space value chain, it operates as a vertically integrated business. Products include the Copernicus Sentinels and Galileo components, the Space Rider vehicles, and the ESA Education and Europe's Spaceport services.

Status Operating
HQ Paris, France
Locations Noordwijk, NLD Darmstadt, DEU Frascati, ITA Cologne, DEU Madrid, ESP Harwell, GBR Kourou, GUF
PERFORMANCE
FLIGHT OPS ALL LAUNCHES
1 LAUNCHES '24 YTD
'98 1
'99 1
'12 1
'22 1
'24 1
Carole Mundell Director of Science
Daniel Neuenschwander Director of Human and Robotic Exploration
Dietmar Pilz Director of Technology, Engineering and Quality
Eric Morel de Westgaver Director of Strategy, Legal and External Affairs
Francisco-Javier Benedicto-Ruiz Director of Navigation
Geraldine Naja Director of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness
Josef Aschbacher Director General
Laurent Jaffart Director of Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity
Marco Ferrazzani Director of Resources and Services
Rolf Densing Director of Operations
Simonetta Cheli Director of Earth Observation
Toni Tolker-Nielsen Acting Director of Space Transportation
DATA & SOURCES
Company websitecompany profile, products, locations, press
USAspending.govfederal contract awards
Launch Library 2launch records, vehicles
Wikidataregistry cross-links
Industry pressnews coverage
* Lower-confidence value, or one we haven't anchored to a primary source yet. Profile assembled from 5 sources and cross-checked continuously.
PROFILE
Last verified 2026-06-16
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