The Astrometric Foundation of Astrophysics

Abstract: Astrophysical studies require a knowledge of very accurate positions, motions and distances of stars. A brief overview is given of the significance and development of astrometry by ESA's two astrometric satellites, Hipparcos and Gaia, launched in respectively 1989 and 2013. The astrometric foundation of all branches of astronomy from the solar system and stellar systems to compact galaxies, quasars and dark matter is being revolutionized by the observations from these satellites. The future of fundamental astrometry must be considered in a time frame of 50 years, therefore science issues for a Gaia successor mission in twenty years are discussed in an extensive report: "Absolute astrometry in the next 50 years" available at http://arxiv.org/abs/1408.2190