An #IAC2026 check-in

A Star is Born 🌟 I often talk about the strategy, the policies and the programmes that can lift Europe. But this is what we can sometimes overlook as policymakers and decisionmakers: the science and discovery is what it’s all about. 3,300 light-years away, Webb has revealed the stellar nursery NGC 7129 in extraordinary detail. Young stars are busy carving cavities, blasting outflows and shaping the clouds around them - like any decent adolescent! Science expands our horizons and reminds us why we invest in it. Let us take a communal moment to say "Wow" to our Universe.✨ Read more about what you see in the image: esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Image…

We’re in Antalya for #IAC2026 On the first day, discussions focused on strengthening Europe’s space capabilities, international cooperation and the future of exploration. More updates to come! Read more: esa.int/About_Us/Corporate_n… Credits: International Astronautical Federation

🇨🇦 In a more fragmented world, trusted partnerships matter. Europe and Canada share values, ambitions and a strong history of cooperation in space. Our collaboration is becoming more important than ever as we build resilience and shape the future together, shoulder to shoulder.

🇮🇳Today at #IAC2026, following an extention of our cooperation agreement we signed a couple weeks ago, @ESA and @isro took the first steps to discuss what an expanded cooperation in space could look like between the two agencies. From human spaceflight and lunar exploration to climate and science missions, Europe and India are turning long-standing partnership into concrete opportunities for the future of space.

The International Space Station stands as one of the greatest examples of international cooperation of our time. As Europe looks ahead to the next chapter of human spaceflight, we are exploring a range of options to maintain and strengthen our presence in Low Earth Orbit. Our cooperation with @vast marks an important step in this work, helping us assess future opportunities for European astronauts, research and technology in orbit.

The world’s largest space event, IAC 2026, has begun in Antalya! We are proud and excited to welcome the international space community to Türkiye. Together, we are ready to shape the future of space! @iafastro #IAC2026

Excellent intervention by Commissioner @KubiliusEU. Europe has agreed a shared long-term vision for space transportation. Now comes the crucial next step: turning that vision into action. 🤝ESA and the EU are working hand in hand to strengthen European launch capabilities and ensure autonomous, resilient and competitive access to space that will be needed to address both the challenges and the opportunities for decades to come.

Caught him! ⚡️ Apparently, even Pikachu is powerless to the pull of space #PokemonxESA esa.int/About_Us/Branding_an…

Inspiring future generations is a key part of ESA’s mission. 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 @Pokemon 🐭⚡️

A strong couple of days at #WSBW26 engaging with industry leaders, entrepreneurs and institutional partners on Europe's future in space. The message from everyone was clear: Europe must seize this moment to strengthen its competitiveness, autonomy and ambition in space. We will carry this momentum forward to @esa's Intermediate Ministerial Meeting in Rome this December, where we will take the next steps together.

Another important step for Europe’s leadership in Earth Observation 🛰️ FLEX and Sentinel-3 together take European Earth observation a step further: from seeing how our planet is changing to understanding how it functions. A powerful combination of science, technology and operational capability in support of Europe’s climate and environmental leadership.

Liftoff! 🚀 FLEX and Sentinel-3C are on their way. Vega-C #VV30 has departed Europe’s Spaceport carrying the two Earth observation satellites into orbit.

FLEX and Sentinel-3C are ready for liftoff on Vega-C from Europe's Spaceport. ▶️ Tune in tonight on 15 September from 02:50 CEST. 🚀 Liftoff is scheduled for 03:21 CEST. While the FLEX mission will monitor the health of Earth’s vegetation, Sentinel-3C, together with the two Sentinel-3 satellites already in orbit, will monitor oceans, land, ice and atmosphere for Copernicus, the Earth observation component of the European Union’s Space Programme. 🔗esa.int/Applications/Observi…

On August 13 at Tanegashima Space Center, The Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft was unveiled. 🎥Activity Report mini🎥 #JAXA #MMX #Tanegashima ▼Related information is here jaxa.jp//links/20260914/mmx-…