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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 12/10/2026

Space is no longer a distant frontier. It is part of Europe’s first line of defence. My message at the Warsaw Security Forum today: Europe must deliver faster, protect better and build the sovereign capabilities needed to be secure and resilient. #WSF2026

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 10/10/2026

A very special moment welcoming Sophie Adenot back to Europe this morning. An emotional return, but Sophie was as strong and inspiring as ever. And one of her first messages was to thank the whole @esa.int and CNES teams for their excellent support throughout her mission. Welcome home, Sophie🌎

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 08/10/2026

Envisioned, built, and launched by Europe. @esa.int keeps delivering the reliable satellites that enable the European Commission's world-leading Copernicus programme. And now, Sentinel-3C is showing us what it can do. www.esa.int/Applications...

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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 · 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 · 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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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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 08/04/2026

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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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 · 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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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 04/03/2026

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...

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 14/02/2026

🚀🌍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!

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 13/02/2026

"Meir, Hathaway, Adenot, Fedyaev. Welcome to orbit." #Crew12 #εpsilon

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 13/02/2026

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 🚀

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 12/02/2026

SUCCESS✅ With the powerful roar of 4 boosters at liftoff, comes more than double the payload mass to orbit, setting Europe back on stage for launching all satellites to all orbits. Our rocket fleet is now complete. But we will not rest: upgrades are already in progress. #Ariane6 #VA267

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 12/02/2026

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.

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 09/02/2026

🚀 #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.

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 07/02/2026

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

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 05/02/2026

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.

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 02/02/2026

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...

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 23/01/2026

We shouldn’t have favourite missions…but we all secretly do, don’t we? 😉

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 18/12/2025

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...

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 27/11/2025

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.

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 24/11/2025

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

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 18/11/2025

#CM25 will elevate the future of Europe through space. Space by Europeans, for Europeans.

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 18/11/2025

Decisions made during #CM25 will advance ESA's Strategy 2040, having lasting impacts on European citizens.

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 18/11/2025

Let’s show the world what a united Europe can achieve. Discover what's at stake at ESA's Council at Ministerial Level 2025, taking place next week in Bremen 👇 www.esa.int/About_Us/Min...

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