Week in images: 18-22 May 2026

Discover our week through the lens

ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher participated in the 21st edition of the GLOBSEC Forum, held from 21 to 23 May in Prague, Czechia, under the theme ‘The Global Systemic Transformation.’ The high‑level gathering brought together political leaders, industry representatives and experts to discuss how Europe can respond to an increasingly complex and fragmented geopolitical environment.

ESA’s astronaut reserve members have completed their Astronaut Reserve Training (ART) programme, marking a key milestone in Europe’s human spaceflight ambitions.

The liquid iron in Earth’s outer core doesn’t always behave as expected. When it changed direction in an unexplained way, ESA satellites provided data on the direction of flow, helping scientists gain better insight into the dynamics at the centre of our planet.

Follow the total solar eclipse with the European Space Agency (ESA), in person or online. 

On 2 June, the European Space Agency (ESA) will hold its free REACH workshop on chemical compliance in the space sector. This all-day event will be held at ESA’s technical centre in the Netherlands, with an option to join online.

On 20 May, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot conducted an in-flight call with selected media representatives live aboard the International Space Station. During the discussion, Sophie shared insights into life and research in orbit, including scientific experiments supporting human health, climate science and future space exploration.

The European Space Agency (ESA) and the Agencia Espacial Española (AEE) signed a Memorandum of Intent on 20 May to strengthen cooperation on secure satellite connectivity, reinforcing Spain’s growing strategic role in Europe’s space and resilience ambitions.