The 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly brought together over 3,000 participants to exchange the latest results in space research and strengthen international scientific collaboration. Key highlights included a Space Agency Leaders Roundtable, Humanity's Cross-Disciplinary Exploration panel, and the first-ever Dark and Quiet Skies event.
The panel discussed how advances in engineering are unlocking new scientific missions and driving breakthroughs. Emerging technologies, such as commercial capabilities and artificial intelligence, are reshaping the mission landscape.
The 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly addressed the challenge of preserving dark and quiet skies for astronomical observations and satellite technology. The session considered scientific, technical, operational, and regulatory perspectives to balance benefits with environmental and societal concerns.
The COSPAR Awards 2026 recognize Angela Bazzano, Gary P. Zank, Guenther Reitz, David Gary Sibeck, WANG Jinsong, Carlos Gabriel, John D. Rummel, Pascal Willis, Annapurni Subramaniam, ZHANG Keke, and others for their distinguished contributions to space science.
Nine European high school students completed a six-day simulated Mars mission in Portugal, operating rovers and conducting scientific experiments. The EXPLORE-2 mission aimed to develop young Europeans' STEM skills and team management capabilities, with participants designing their own mission plans and making operational decisions.
The COSPAR 2025 Symposium released global guidelines on space weather, creating a unified language for scientists to share data and coordinate observations. The symposium also announced groundbreaking scientific discoveries, including AI-driven bioinformatics breakthroughs and insights into space hazards.
The LPP, COSPAR, and IAU have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on lunar science and ethics. The partnership aims to develop principles and practices for balanced approaches to lunar activities, with a focus on promoting international cooperation and science-informed space policies.
Nine European high school students spent months in an isolated habitat simulating life on Mars, developing essential skills like problem-solving and collaboration. The EXPLORE project aims to inspire a passion for STEAM subjects and prepares the next generation for actual space missions.
This year's COSPAR Award winners include Dr. Rosine Lallement for her pioneering work on the heliosphere and interstellar medium, and Dr. Dieter Bilitza for his international cooperation efforts in ionospheric modeling and space research promotion.