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Welcome Message from the COSPAR President Pascale

Ehrenfreund

Dear Esteemed Delegates,

Welcome to the 45th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), to be held from July 13 through July 21, 2024, at BEXCO, in the bustling city of Busan, Republic of Korea. It is with great delight and honor that we host this Scientific Assembly together with the Korean Ministry of Science and ICT, the Korean National Committee for COSPAR, the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute and the Korean Space Science Society, bringing together the world’s finest minds from the diverse realm of space research.

For more than six decades COSPAR has been at the forefront of fostering international scientific research in space, striving to promote peace and cooperation on a global scale. The yearly Scientific Assemblies have been a testament to this commitment, serving as a dynamic platform for researchers, scientists, engineers, and educators from all corners of the world.

This year’s Scientific Assembly, too, holds a wealth of promise and possibility. Our theme for the 45th edition - "Team Spirit in Space Research" - reflects our collective ambition to gather scientists and engineers from all countries to peacefully use space science for the benefit of all mankind. Over the course of this nine-day conference, we invite you to engage in thought-provoking scientific sessions, inspiring keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and enlightening panel discussions. These are designed to not only expand our understanding of the universe but also to create new avenues for future exploration and collaboration.

The space sector in Korea has experienced a significant surge recently, emerging as a dynamic and innovative force in the global space arena. With a blend of ambitious government initiatives, robust private sector participation, and cutting-edge technological advancements, Korea is progressively carving out a substantial niche in space exploration and research.

While we dive deep into scientific deliberations and space exploration dialogue, let us not forget the spirit of collaboration that has brought us together. By choosing to become a sponsor or exhibitor, your organization will open a gateway to a wealth of opportunities. You will not only be able to augment your presence and discover fresh audiences, but also successfully reinforce collaboration and offer invaluable support to the space research community.

The choice of Busan as the venue for this Scientific Assembly is symbolic in itself. Known for its spectacular landscapes, vibrant culture, and cutting-edge technology, Busan mirrors the spirit of our mission – a harmonious blend of heritage and progress. This, coupled with the state-of-the-art facilities of BEXCO, ensures a productive and memorable stay for all attendees. Let us also explore and appreciate the rich culture and hospitality of Busan. The warm welcome, exquisite cuisine, and awe-inspiring sights provide a distinct opportunity to connect with and celebrate our shared human heritage, even as we traverse the vast expanse of our cosmic voyage.

On behalf of the COSPAR 2024 Organizing Committees we express our sincerest gratitude to all attendees, presenters, sponsors, and the dynamic city of Busan for making this event possible. We look forward to a week of breakthroughs, learning, networking, and memorable experiences.

Again, welcome to the 45th Scientific Assembly of COSPAR. Together, let’s navigate the future of space research.

Yours sincerely,

Pascale Ehrenfreund COSPAR President

Invitation

It is our great pleasure and honor to invite you all to the 45th COSPAR Scientific Assembly to be hosted in Busan, Korea from July 13 to 21, 2024.

Your ideas, expertise, and experience, shared among us, will reshape the future of space science beyond imagination and encourage the development of the next generation of space professionals and students across all regions in this rapidly rising new space age. Korea’s talented and passionate space scientists and engineers, with their rapidly elevated profile and the world’s leading advanced industries at their disposal, will also share our proven capabilities and versatile approaches in channeling academia and industry, developed and underdeveloped nations.

The COSPAR 2024 LOC and SPC, with the support of the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Korean National Committee for COSPAR, Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, and the Korean Space Science Society, are committed to offering the best and most effective platform where all participants can be inspired and enlightened in every way. In addition, Busan is a superlative destination, boasting state-of-the-art conference facilities, the finest accommodations, and world-class city infrastructure. All participants will have a series of superb and pleasant experiences and opportunities to appreciate Busan’s rich natural, cultural, and urban legacies in and around the Assembly.

We eagerly await the pleasure of welcoming all of you to Busan.

The COSPAR Scientific Assembly serves as a platform for scientists, researchers, engineers, and space professionals from around the world to gather and present their latest research findings, exchange knowledge, and discuss advancements in space science and technology. Continuing the legacy of one of the most successful COSPAR Symposia held in Jeju Island in 2017, COSPAR 2024 guarantees a most fruitful, amusing, and memorable Assembly for all participants.

The key features of COSPAR 2024 will include:

1. A ssembly program: The 45th COSPAR Scientific Assembly will convene with new features, including shorter daily schedules and an increased number of rooms compared to the past meetings. These changes will allow attendees to avoid very early-morning and/or late-evening presentations and to reduce the number of events scheduled at the very beginning or end of each day. In addition, to enhance global attention for the motto of Team Spirit in space research, all highlighted cross-sectoral events, such as interdisciplinary lectures, panel discussions, and poster sessions, are strategically scheduled at pivotal times of each day. Various associated events, such as the IAA day, ILWS plenary meeting, Teacher’s Training Program, Korean Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter Science workshop, and others, are also planned during the Assembly.

2. Social events & networking: COSPAR 2024 will provide numerous networking opportunities for attendees to interact with fellow researchers, scientists, industry professionals, and representatives from space organizations. The social and special events, such as Icebreaker, welcome reception, young researchers' networking day, IDEA lunch, Farewell lunch, and banquet will elevate networking opportunities as well as accelerate building professional relationships.