The European Space Research Organisation (ESRO) was officially established in Paris, driven by a commitment among European nations to engage in coordinated space research and technology development. Following several years of discussions and negotiations among European nations, the recognition of the growing importance of space exploration led to the creation of this organization. The founding treaty was signed in a historical meeting that paved the way for increased collaboration in space science and technology across Europe.

ESRO's mission centered around the development and launch of satellites for scientific missions, contributing to advancements in areas such as Earth observation, telecommunications, and scientific experiments in microgravity. The organization became a vital player in establishing Europe as a competitive force in the emerging field of space exploration, enabling member nations to pool resources, share expertise, and capitalize on the burgeoning space economy.

In its early years, ESRO undertook several successful satellite missions which contributed valuable data to global scientific communities. The organization also laid the groundwork for the eventual establishment of the European Space Agency (ESA) in 1975, which would expand its scope to include both scientific and practical applications in space. This transition marked a new era in European space endeavors, further fostering collaboration and innovation in this exciting field.