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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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Reposted by Josef Aschbacher

European Space Agency @esa.int · 12/10/2026

🔴 Live in 30 min: ESA DG Josef Aschbacher opens a panel discussion on protecting Europe’s critical infrastructure through satellite sovereignty. #WFS2026 Watch from 15:30 CEST 👉 www.youtube.com/live/F9mg8so...

youtube.com

WSF2026 (DAY1) 12.10: From Space to Sea Floor

YouTube video by Warsaw Security Forum

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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

After a record-breaking 237-day mission, our very own Sophie Adenot has returned safely to Earth🌎 Three spacewalks. A European endurance record. An abundance of science delivered. Bon retour parmi nous, Sophie! You have made Europe proud.

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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

On behalf of @esa.int and its Member States, I thank you all for your service.

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 23/09/2026

Their courage, together with the dedication of the emergency responders, public authorities and civilians who stood on the front line of the crisis, reminds us that the ultimate purpose of all our efforts, whether on Earth or in space, is to serve and protect humanity.

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 23/09/2026

When the fires threatened both the station and nearby communities, it became a deeply personal emergency for many of them.

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 23/09/2026

For more than 20 years, ESA has been part of the Cebreros community, with many of our colleagues living and raising their families in the surrounding area while helping connect Europe with spacecraft exploring the Solar System millions of kilometres away.

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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

@esa.int and ISRO have built a trusted partnership spanning more than two decades. This renewed agreement positions us to pursue even greater ambitions while delivering tangible benefits for our citizens and economies. We look forward to continuing this successful collaboration in the years ahead.

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 11/09/2026

Read the Call to Boost European Space Exploration to see what the Ministers of the European Space Agency declared during the #ParisSpaceSummit www.elysee.fr/emmanuel-mac...

elysee.fr

A Call to Boost European Space Exploration.

Read the declaration.

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 11/09/2026

@esa.int will work closely with its Member States in the months ahead, to support decisions later this year. The work continues from the Summit, through to ESA's Intermediate Ministerial Meeting in December, and onto our Council Ministerial in 2028 and beyond✨

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 11/09/2026

Europe has now started a course towards greater autonomy in low Earth orbit, a stronger role in lunar exploration, and a more competitive European space sector, while remaining a reliable partner in international exploration efforts.

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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

Together with Italy and our European partners, we are working to ensure that Europe not only participates in the future of exploration, but helps shape it.

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

The conversations taking place this week at #ParisSpaceSummit are an important first step towards the decisions Europe will take in the coming months and years.

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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

At a time when European cooperation in research, innovation and technology is more important than ever, we discussed how Hungary's growing capabilities in science, technology and innovation can continue to contribute to Europe's shared ambitions in space. #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

On the eve of #ParisSpaceSummit, we reflected on the acheivements already made in European space history. Today, we begin to shape the future.

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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

Switzerland is a world-class hub for AI, quantum technologies, frequency & timing, photonic integrated circuits and other deep-tech capabilities that are increasingly important. Through initiatives such as ESDI, @esa.int and Switzerland are helping drive Europe's competitiveness and innovation.

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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

Commercialisation has been at the ❤️ of ESA’s strategy, and the European Launcher Challenge is that strategy put into action following the 2023 Seville Summit. ESA will continue supporting Isar and Europe’s other new launch providers as they move from demonstration to reliable operations and scale.

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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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Reposted by Josef Aschbacher

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

After starting the work on 18 August, the duo will install the spare antenna on the station’s Z1 truss and connect the electrical and data systems needed for high-speed links with mission control.

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 19/08/2026

As Europe looks to the future of exploration, achievements like this remind us why we must continue building the capabilities that allow us not only to participate in exploration, but to help shape it.

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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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Reposted by Josef Aschbacher

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

Marius played a pivotal role in developing Romania's space programme and was a strong advocate for the country's accession to ESA. The photo below captures the signing of the ESA-Romania agreement alongside former ESA DG Jean-Jacques Dordain and serves as a reminder of Marius' lasting contribution.

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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

As Sophie steps outside, let us celebrate not only her milestone, but the future it foreshadows. From low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond, Europe should not simply watch the next chapter of human exploration unfold. We should help write it.

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Josef Aschbacher @josefaschbacher.esa.int · 11/08/2026

The ISS has shown what Europe can achieve when we invest in human exploration and work with international partners. But the Station is not the final destination. It is part of the journey. Our next great horizon is the Moon. And eventually Mars.

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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

ESA recreates this phenomenon by flying two satellites in tandem, 150 m apart. One blocks the Sun while the other studies the corona and sends the data back to Earth. Space science is so cool...or in this case...hot!🔥

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