David Parker gave the Society early insight into ESA’s vision for human spaceflight and robotic exploration beyond 2019, going forward to the Moon and on to Mars and aimed at securing Europe's central role in the new era of global space exploration, in which ESA plans to work with existing partners, such as the USA, with new partners such as China, as well as engaging with commercial players.

ESA’s vision and the associated programmatic elements are to be presented for approval at the next ESA Ministerial Council meeting to be held in November 2019.