Space solar research: achievements and prospects

Space-based solar observations continue to provide new insights into the structure and dynamics of the Sun's interior and atmosphere. This paper uses helioseismic and magnetic data from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager of the Solar Dynamic Observatory (SDO) to present results on the Sun's subphotospheric and meridional flows and on the simulation of the solar dynamo and of the solar magnetic field variation. High spatial resolution observations of the solar atmosphere with SOHO, Hinode, SDO, IRIS, Hi-C, EUNIS, etc. provide detailed clues about the dynamics and fine structure of magnetic fields, flare energy release, and coronal mass ejections. Space projects with the potential to solve topical solar physics problems are briefly reviewed.