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Josef Aschbacher

@josefaschbacher.esa.int
2.5K followers 38 following 239 posts

The Director General of the European Space Agency

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 23/09/2026
During my trip to Spain, I was deeply moved to visit ESA's Cebreros ground station and personally thank the emergency responders, public authorities and local communities who worked tirelessly to protect lives, livelihoods and communities during this summer's wildfires that stretched across Spain.
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 23/09/2026
Caught him! ⚡️ Apparently, even Pikachu is powerless to the pull of space #PokemonxESA www.esa.int/About_Us/Bra...
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 22/09/2026
A pleasure to meet with Minister Morant today, following a successful Space Summit. We discussed how ESA and Spain can continue working together to strengthen Europe’s ambitions. As one of ESA’s key Member States, Spain’s leadership and support will be essential as we prepare for #IMM26 and #CM28.
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 21/09/2026
Through the #PokemonxESA collaboration, we are taking space exploration beyond traditional settings, hoping to ignite curiosity, spark a sense of wonder about our Universe and encourage people of all ages to discover the opportunities that space offers for the future. #WorldSpaceWeek2026 🐭⚡️
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 21/09/2026
As space activities expand beyond Earth orbit and new opportunities emerge in exploration, sustainability and advanced technologies, international cooperation remains essential. www.esa.int/About_Us/Cor...
esa.int
ESA and ISRO extend and broaden cooperation agreement
The European Space Agency (ESA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have signed an exchange of letters extending their long-standing Cooperative Agreement for a further five years, until...
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 11/09/2026
The International Space Summit marked an important step in shaping a common European vision for space exploration. #ParisSpaceSummit
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 10/09/2026
Will we be passengers or pilots? Customers or service providers? Tenants or architects? At the International Space Summit, I argued that Europe must take steps now to shape its own future in space. Read my full speech 🧑‍🚀🚀 esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/corpora... #ParisSpaceSummit
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 09/09/2026
On the margins of the International Space Summit, I met with Italian Minister Adolfo Urso to discuss the path towards ESA's Intermediate Ministerial Meeting in Rome and the future of European exploration. #ParisSpaceSummit
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 09/09/2026
On the margins of the International Space Summit, I met with Hungarian Minister for Science and Technology Zoltán Tanács to discuss Hungary's space ambitions, preparations for @esa.int's Intermediate Ministerial Meeting this December and its Ministerial Council in 2028.
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 09/09/2026
Last night we brought together astronauts, ministers, industry leaders and space enthusiasts to celebrate the imagination, innovation and cooperation that define Europe's journey in space. From Earth orbit to deep space, we were reminded that today's ambitions become tomorrow's achievements.
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 09/09/2026
There's just something about a Nordic launch site 🤩 www.esa.int/Enabling_Sup...
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 09/09/2026
Good discussion yesterday with State Secretary Martina Hirayama on the road to ESA's Intermediate Ministerial Meeting on exploration in December and #CM28.
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 07/09/2026
Does Europe intend to shape the future – or adapt to a future created by others? I believe in Europe. Do you? www.esa.int/About_Us/Cor... #ParisSpaceSummit
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 06/09/2026
A historic night for European spaceflight. Huge congratulations to Daniel Metzler and the entire Isar aerospace team on reaching orbit with Spectrum 🚀 from continental Europe. www.esa.int/Enabling_Sup...
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 03/09/2026
From Earth to Mercury: another major milestone for #BepiColombo Today’s successful separation, is a testament to years of preparation & extraordinary precision. It reflects what we achieve when scientific ambition meets technological excellence. Congratulations to everyone who made this possible.
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European Space Agency @esa.int · 27/08/2026
Success! ✅ MTG-I2 is on its way to geostationary orbit. After acquiring signal, the satellite has been confirmed healthy. 🔗 esa.int/Newsroom/Press_Releases/MTG-I2_completes_Europe_s_latest_weather_trio
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 27/08/2026
Strategic autonomy is not a slogan. It is infrastructure, capability and choice. Europe must have all three. The first @esa.int contracts under the European Launcher Challenge are now signed — a major step towards a more autonomous Europe in space. Now, the challengers must deliver.
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 25/08/2026
What a day for Europe in space! Congratulations Sophie Adenot on your second spacewalk! You installed a spare communications antenna on the Space_Station Z1 truss and connected the electrical and data systems with extraordinary skill and sang froid.
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 21/08/2026
Incredible news! Sophie has been selected to perform a 2nd spacewalk! Sophie and NASA's Anil Menon will head outside the ISS again on 25 August to complete the replacement of a communications antenna. www.nasa.gov/blogs/spaces...
nasa.gov
Spacewalk Preps Continue to Finish Antenna Installation Job Next Week - NASA
On Tuesday, Aug. 25, NASA flight engineer Anil Menon and ESA (European Space Agency) flight engineer Sophie Adenot will conduct a spacewalk to finish replacing the space‑to‑ground antenna on the Inter...
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 19/08/2026
Congratulations to ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot on her first spacewalk yesterday - the first French woman to perform an EVA! Spacewalks are among the most demanding activities in human spaceflight, requiring technical excellence, teamwork and months of preparation.
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European Space Agency @esa.int · 17/08/2026
Live tomorrow: ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot's first spacewalk to replace a crucial piece of equipment on the ISS. Watch from 12:00 BST / 13:00 CEST on ESA WebTV and YouTube. 🔗 esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Watch_Sophie_Adenot_s_spacewalk_live @exploration.esa.int 🧪🔭
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 17/08/2026
Sad to learn of the passing of Marius Piso, former President and Executive Director of the Romanian Space Agency. I knew him well through many years in ESA Council, where his ideas, energy and constructive spirit always stood out. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 12/08/2026
We are offering Europeans an unparalleled platform to test the technologies that will shape the future: advanced onboard intelligence, AI-enabled autonomy, innovative image processing and next-generation spacecraft operations, all validated directly in deep space on ESA's Hera mission 💡👇
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 11/08/2026
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.
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 10/08/2026
#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...
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 27/07/2026
Latest Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite imagery from 26 July shows some encouraging signs around the Cebreros ground station, where wildfire activity has subsided.
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 26/07/2026
My teams have completed all necessary checks and testing of the Cebreros station. After careful review, we have declared the antenna GREEN for nominal operations as of 27 July.
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 25/07/2026
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
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 13/07/2026
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.
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 11/07/2026
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
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 01/07/2026
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.
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 30/06/2026
40 years ago, European countries made a bold choice: to work together so every citizen could benefit from better weather forecasts and climate monitoring. As Europe faces another intense heatwave, that choice has never mattered more. Happy 40th anniversary, @eumetsat.int
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 09/06/2026
Artemis III will push the boundaries of spacecraft operations in orbit. ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano’s assignment as pilot reflects the depth of European expertise in human spaceflight and draws on his extensive operational experience in high-pressure situations.
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 19/05/2026
Today, ESA’s SMILE mission lifted off on a Vega-C and on a unique scientific journey: to observe and understand Earth’s magnetic shield and how it interacts with the solar wind. www.esa.int/Science_Expl...
esa.int
Smile lifts off on quest to reveal Earth’s invisible shield against the solar wind
The Smile spacecraft lifted off on a Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana at 04:52 BST / 05:52 CEST (00:52 local time) on 19 May 2026. The launch marks the beginning of an ambitious ...
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 18/05/2026
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...
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 08/05/2026
ESA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency are moving from intention to implementation, translating commitment into mission‑level cooperation. This partnership builds on trust, technical excellence and a shared determination to protect our planet.
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 23/04/2026
Following the mandate given by our Member States to step up ESA’s role in security and defence, this agreement marks a meaningful move from intent to delivery. Through initiatives such as the European Resilience from Space (ERS), ESA is already responding to Europe’s urgent security capability needs
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 17/04/2026
With this agreement ESA and Canada are together unlocking new opportunities to advance critical technologies, strengthen our industrial ecosystems and reinforce our collective capabilities. www.esa.int/About_Us/Cor...
esa.int
ESA and Canada sign agreement on the exchange of classified information
The European Space Agency (ESA) and Canada have signed a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA), which will establish a legally binding framework for the exchange of classified information.
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ESA Connectivity and Secure Communications @esaconnectivity.esa.int · 15/04/2026
HydRON, Europe's laser network in space, is moving ahead ⚡➡️ Kepler Communications was awarded the contract to lead HydRON’s evolution. They will ensure the optical communications system works across different technologies and companies, like one phone running many apps. 📱
ESA, DLR, CSA and Kepler Communications representatives at HydRON's signatureMina Mitry, CEO of Kepler Communications (left) shaking hands with Laurent Jaffart, ESA Director of Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity (right)
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 08/04/2026
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:
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European Space Agency @esa.int · 04/04/2026
✅ #Artemis II update: Flight Day 3, the Artemis crew are now closer to the Moon than they are to Earth. Their lunar journey powered by our European Service Module continues. Image at nasa.gov/image-detail... @exploration.esa.int
Taken 3 April 2026, the Artemis II crew is en route to the Moon. This photo shows the Orion spacecraft with the Moon in the distance, as captured by a camera on the tip of one of its solar array wings.
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 02/04/2026
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
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 02/04/2026
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.
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 01/04/2026
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 🚀
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 31/03/2026
⏱️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.
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 28/03/2026
Celeste is in orbit!🚀 ESA’s first two #Celeste demo satellites have successfully launched on RocketLab’s Electron from New Zealand, starting tests of a complementary #LEO layer for #Galileo to boost resilience and unlock new PNT services. www.esa.int/Newsroom/Pre...
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 19/03/2026
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.
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 19/03/2026
On the margins of ESA Council this week, I formally marked the start of Cyprus’ Associate Membership, opening the way for Cyprus to participate in ESA optional programmes. Welcome to the family!
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European Space Agency @esa.int · 17/03/2026
#WatchLive: Join us on 19 March at 13:00 GMT/14:00 CET for a media briefing following the 345th ESA Council meeting taking place in Interlaken, Switzerland. 📺 watch.esa.int
ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher
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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 17/03/2026
We are in Interlaken this morning to meet with ESA Member States and workshop ways to streamline, simplify, accelerate and optimise the way @esa.int works with its Member States. Tomorrow we start ESA Council #345 - spread over two days.
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