COSPAR 2024: Embracing team spirit in space research

The Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) has successfully concluded its 45th COSPAR Scientific Assembly in Busan, Korea, held from 13 to 21 July. This prestigious event brought together more than 3,000 experts and leaders from 55 countries in all major fields of space science, under the theme “Team Spirit in Space Research”. This biennial event, actively supported by major space organizations, is a benchmark for fostering dialogue and collaboration within the global space science community.

Bringing space leaders together
Of particular note this time was the showcasing of the newly-formed Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), with the participation of Youngbin Yoon, Administrator of KASA, in the Opening Ceremony Roundtable. For the first time ever, COSPAR brought together space leaders from KASA, NASA, China National Space Administration, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science/Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (ISAS/JAXA), and the UAE Space Agency. Youngbin Yoon shared his vision of the future of space activity in Korea, and the discussions on the next decade of space science programs from each agency was a highlight of the Assembly. John Lee, Deputy Administrator of Mission Directorate, KASA, also delivered an interdisciplinary lecture introducing the new Korea Aerospace Administration later in the week.

Space-Weather Roadmap presented
Another significant highlight of this Assembly was the introduction of COSPAR’s new community-driven Space-Weather Roadmap. Presented by a consortium of hundreds of scientists led by COSPAR’s Panel on Space Weather, this roadmap provides key recommendations for the global space weather community.

Space sustainability gained traction as a major recurring theme, underscoring our collective responsibility to ensure the long-term viability of space activities. The COSPAR Panel on Planetary Protection, a reference in upholding the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and providing accepted guidelines on planetary protection, presented the recently updated Planetary Protection Policy during COSPAR 2024.

To respond to the dynamic changes in the space sector, COSPAR’s Committee on Industry Relations (CIR) enables global space companies to engage with COSPAR’s scientific community. CIR organized several events during the Assembly. The panel discussion “Space 2050 – Our Future Shaped by Today’s Space Technology Advances” was particularly important by bringing experts from industry to stimulate the conversation about the challenges of space ventures in the next decades, involving all stakeholders in the space ecosystem.

COSPAR 2024: a platform for dialogue
The key strength of COSPAR 2024 is providing this platform for dialogue across nations, disciplines and sectors, enabling the formation of new international partnerships. During the Assembly, multiple interagency and B2B side meetings took place, formally and informally.

COSPAR President, Professor Pascale Ehrenfreund says: “The South Korean hospitality has been exceptional, making everyone feel welcome and valued. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Local Organizing Committee under the leadership of Dr James Park, and the Scientific Program Committee led by Dr Dong-Hun Lee. The selection of Busan as the host city for COSPAR 2024 underscores COSPAR’s commitment to international regional diversity and our dedication to shaping the future of the global space eco-system.”

COSPAR 2028 to be hosted in Dubai
COSPAR 2024 concluded with the news of the successful bid by the Mohamed Bin Rashid Space Research Center (MBRSC) to host the 47th COSPAR Scientific Assembly (COSPAR 2028). COSPAR is therefore proud to announce that COSPAR 2028 will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, from 8 to 16 July 2028. The global space science community looks forward to building on the momentum generated in Busan. The event has set a precedent for future assemblies, demonstrating the power of international cooperation in shaping the trajectory of space science.

The 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly (COSPAR 2026) is scheduled to be held in Florence, Italy, 1-9 August 2026, where the community will once again gather, this time in the city of the Renaissance, to share knowledge, celebrate achievements, and forge new paths in the exploration of space.

Issued by COSPAR Communications, Ms Leigh FERGUS
leigh.fergus@cosparhq.cnes.fr         

Key Statistics about COSPAR 2024:
Total number of participants: 3,070 from 55 countries
Total number of Quarter Days of presentations: 614
Total number of Oral Presentations: 2,475
Total number of Posters: 280
Total number of Exhibitors: 43
Total number of Sponsors: 61

Note to Editors
COSPAR, the largest international scientific society dedicated to promoting global cooperation in space research, was established in 1958. It serves as a neutral platform for scientific dialogue among scientists from around the world. Today, COSPAR comprises 46 national scientific institutions and 13 international scientific unions, with 13,000 space scientists actively participating in its activities, including attending assemblies, contributing to panels and roadmaps, and publishing in its journals. COSPAR’s core mission is to facilitate dialogue and encourage international collaboration among space stakeholders across the globe. It operates through scientific commissions, panels and task groups that encompass all disciplines of space science, from Earth and atmospheric sciences to planetary science, astrophysics, solar and space plasma physics, and life and microgravity sciences.

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