The Directorate of Science of the European Space Agency currently operates (often jointly with other space agencies) 14 missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics, and fundamental physics; 14 further missions are in the study or development phase. ESA's vision for science is to 'Empower Europe to Lead Space Science'.
We will provide a brief overview of the European Space Agency, followed by a summary of recent highlights, including the Webb Space Telescope launch and Gaia's Data Release 3, and look forward to the next decade (including upcoming opportunities and launches of Euclid and JUICE), putting the program into the long-term context of 'Voyage 2050'.
Prof. Markus Kissler-Patig is Head of Science and Operations at the European Space Agency, Spain. He served as Director of the Gemini Observatory, Chile during 2012-17. His main scientific interests are the formation and evolution of stars & galaxies; astrobiology and exoplanet atmospheres (https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/personal-profiles/markus-kissler-patig)