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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 9d

2️⃣ESA thrives on global partnerships and we are expanding collaboration with both well-established and emerging space nations—Australia, Japan, the UAE, India—through strategic missions, programmes and activities and governance initiatives like the Zero-Debris Charter.
www.esa.int/ESA_Multimed...

IAC 2025 - One-to-one with ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher

www.esa.int

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 9d

During the Heads of Agencies Panel, I emphasised:
1️⃣The health and sustainability of🌍remains ESA's north star. Strategy 2040, developed with Member States, sets the long-term goals for European space activities. Its top priority: protecting our planet and climate.
www.esa.int/About_Us/ESA...

ESA Strategy 2040

The European Space Agency has published its strategy approaching challenges and opportunities up to 2040. Strategy 2040 is framed around five encompassing goals, each of which has specific objectives ...

www.esa.int

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 9d

Yesterday we opened #IAC2025 in Sydney 🐨

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 10d

Read the Press Release from the Australian government here: www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/ch...

www.minister.industry.gov.au

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 10d

In today’s complex global landscape, reinforcing strategic partnerships places ESA, its Member States, and European space overall in a position of strength. We are now opening a new chapter that will see us engage in discussions with Australia alongside ESA Member States to define the path forward.

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 10d

We stand at the threshold of a historic milestone in ESA’s cooperation with Australia, whose government announced a mandate to begin negotiations on a Cooperative Agreement with @esa.int, potentially opening up new and exciting opportunities between European and Australian space sectors.

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · Aug 13

Another fully European launch carrying European missions that will carry on a legacy of crucial applications here on Earth, for Europeans. This is what @esa.int is about: space for Europe!

European Space Agency @esa.int · Aug 13

Liftoff of Ariane 6 flight #VA264 launching Metop-SG-A1 and Copernicus Sentinel-5A to orbit!

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · Jul 16

As a pivotal step toward the development of future spaceplanes, INVICTUS will equip Europe with a unique capability to explore this advanced mode of flight.

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · Jul 16

INVICTUS builds upon earlier ESA-led technological developments and will provide a platform for industry, agencies, and academia to trial next-generation hypersonic technologies. #UKSC2025

European Space Agency @esa.int · Jul 16

🚀Meet INVICTUS – Europe’s new hypersonic test platform.

We have joined forces with UK-based Frazer-Nash to kick off INVICTUS, a research programme with the goal of developing hypersonic technologies applicable to future reusable vehicles capable of horizontal launch.

▶️ esa.int/Enabling_Sup...

A sleek, futuristic aircraft soars above a sea of fluffy clouds. The aircraft features two large engines mounted atop its wings and a distinctive vertical tail fin. The sky is bright, with sunlight casting dramatic shadows across the cloud tops.

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Reposted by Josef Aschbacher

ESA Exploration @exploration.esa.int · Jul 15

🔴 LIVE: Watch @esa.int project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from Poland return to Earth. 🇵🇱🌎

▶️ youtube.com/live/tb7wkB0...

🪂 Splashdown: 10:30 BST/11:30 CEST.
🎯 Landing target: Off the coast of California, USA.

#Ignis #Ax4

Splashdown | Ax-4 mission with Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski

YouTube video by European Space Agency, ESA

youtube.com

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · Jun 25

Imagine a Europe without ESA: the Universe would dimmer and less explored, we would celebrate fewer native astronauts or space scientists, and our telecommunications, navigation and weather forecasting would be dependent on foreign powers.

Flip through 50 hallmark achievements across 50 years ⤵️

European Space Agency @esa.int · Jun 24

ESA Delivers: discover 50 ways Europe’s space agency changed our world (and the Universe!) during the last five decades 👇

www.esa.int/About_Us/ESA...

Cover of ESA Delivers: 50 hallmark achievements across 50 years

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · Jun 24

So how did such a big project move so fast? Read my recent article to find out: www.linkedin.com/pulse/iride-...

IRIDE: A satellite with a unique background

This spectacular image of Rome was captured by a satellite with a unique background. The IRIDE Pathfinder Hawk is the first of a series of satellites designed to protect Italy's heritage and environme...

www.linkedin.com

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · Jun 24

Italy selected @esa.int to develop the €1.1 bn IRIDE project in response to #COVID19. The 1st satellite was launched three years later, and now we have a constellation🛰️
www.esa.int/Applications...

Italy's IRIDE programme marks major step with first satellite constellation

Seven satellites have been launched for the Italian Earth observation mission, IRIDE. The satellites form part of the Hawk for Earth Observation (HEO) constellation, which carries multispectral optica...

www.esa.int

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · Jun 19

Yesterday we celebrated #50YearsofESA

@esa.int's journey began fifty years ago when ten European States put pen to paper and signed the ESA Convention. Not just any document, but a legal masterpiece that would profoundly shape our continent’s future, achieving what many thought impossible.

Happy 50th birthday ESA

Yesterday was a historic day – for Europe’s space sector, for the European Space Agency, and for Europe as we celebrated ESA's 50th anniversary. ESA’s journey began not far from headquarters, in the F...

www.linkedin.com

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · Jun 16

With a lens towards #CM25, and based on guidance from ESA Member States, my directors and I will continue to navigate the challenges posed by the potential changes of the NASA budget. Ultimately, European capabilities, autonomy and resilience remain my North Star for ESA and for Europe.

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · Jun 16

Over the years, colleagues from both sides of the Atlantic have celebrated each other’s milestones, rejoiced in successful joint launches and missions, and helped cover the gaps when unforeseen circumstances required it.

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · Jun 16

Today, at the #ParisAirShow and in the context of a changing geopolitical landscape, I met with Acting Administrator Janet Petro. ESA and NASA have a long-standing relationship, spanning not only decades but missions from the full spectrum of space activities.

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · Jun 16

Pleased to have been joined on stage with Prime Minister of France François Bayrou, Hervé Derrey the Chair of GIFAS-Groupement des industries françaises aéronautiques et spatiales, Minister responsible for Higher Education and Research Philippe Baptiste, and François Jacq, President and CEO of CNES.

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · Jun 16

Full circle to inaugurate Paris Space Hub at #SalonDuBourget on a year in which ESA celebrates 50 years. Today's geopolitical uncertainties offer an opening for Europe to better position itself in space. Provided Europe stays united, we can turn a challenge into opportunity. For that we need France.

European Space Agency @esa.int · Jun 16

🚀 The Paris Space Hub at Salon Du Bourget is officially inaugurated!

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Reposted by Josef Aschbacher

European Space Agency @esa.int · Jun 13

We will join @cnes.fr in the ‘Paris Space Hub’ during the #SalonDuBourget taking place from 16-22 June.

Catch a glimpse of our programme for the week ➡️ esa.int/About_Us/ESA...

#ParisAirShow

Crowds at Salon du Bourget in front of a large white replica of the Ariane 5 rocket.

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · Jun 8

As such, I look forward to their strong participation at the upcoming ESA Council Ministerial, which will enhance Canadian industry participation in future projects for the benefit of the citizens we serve. #ESAxCanada🍁

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · Jun 8

In today’s geopolitical environment – with increasing tensions and fragmentation, re-nationalisation, unstable economic environments, and shifting priorities – reliable collaboration is crucial. We are witnessing an unprecedented chance to mobilise for increased resiliency and autonomy.

#ESAxCanada

European Space Agency @esa.int · Jun 7

Our joint statement reaffirms Canada and @esa.int's unique, proven and productive partnership. This partnership supports Canada’s strategic objective to diversify its export markets and strengthen ties with like-minded international partners. #ESAxCanada🍁

www.canada.ca/en/space-age...

CSA President Lisa Campbell and European Space Agency (ESA) Director General Dr Josef Aschbacher.

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Reposted by Josef Aschbacher

European Space Agency @esa.int · Jun 8

✅ Crew, spacecraft and rocket are ready for launch.

The #Ax4 crew stands united as the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft roll out to historic pad 39A at #NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Go #Ignis 🔥🇵🇱, go @astro-slawosz.bsky.social! 👨‍🚀

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · Jun 4

I look forward to turning challenges into opportunities together over the coming months. An important moment to make bold decisions will be at #CM25 where Canada, as a non-European Cooperating State, will play a key role in forming the future.
#ESAxCanada🍁

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · Jun 4

It is an enormous pleasure to be in Canada this week. In today’s geopolitical and economic environment, our partnership has never been more strategically important.
#ESAxCanada🍁

European Space Agency @esa.int · Jun 4

For over four decades, the Canada/ESA Cooperation Agreement has led to mutually beneficial activities in a wide range of space activities. From protecting our planet, exploring our Universe, to enhancing our autonomies and resilience, ESA and Canada have been friends a long time, eh? #ESAxCanada🍁

Canadian flag, also known as the Maple Leaf Flag, is a red flag with a white square in the centre featuring a red, 11-pointed stylised maple leaf.

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