Matrix of Events of Particular Interdisciplinary Interest
Financial Support
Scientific Program - Overview
Scientific Program - Details
COSPAR Scientific Commission and Panel Structure
Associated Events
COSPAR and Joint Awards and Medals
Publication of Papers Resulting from Scientific Assembly Presentations
COSPAR Capacity Building Program - Call for Workshop Proposals
Welcome Message from the COSPAR PRESIDENT
Dear Reader,
In the following pages you will find the Call for Abstracts for the 46th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), to be held 1 - 9 August 2026 at the Fortezza da Basso in the historic and inspiring city of Florence, Italy. It is a great pleasure and honor for COSPAR to organize this Scientific Assembly hosted by INAF with the support of the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Italian National Committee for COSPAR, the Italian Astrophysics and Space Science Institutes, the Italian Space Science Society, uniting the global community of space researchers in a shared pursuit of knowledge and progress.
For over sixty years, COSPAR has been a cornerstone of international collaboration in space science, committed to fostering peaceful cooperation and advancing our understanding of the cosmos and our Planet. The biennial Scientific Assemblies are a reflection of this enduring mission—bringing together scientists, engineers, industry, educators, and thought leaders from around the world.
The 2026 COSPAR Scientific Assembly carries special significance with its theme: “Sustainable Space Research for the Planet.” This theme underscores our collective responsibility to pursue scientific advancement with a deep awareness of our environmental impact, both on Earth and beyond. We encourage you to plan to attend COSPAR 2026 in order to engage in stimulating scientific sessions, visionary keynote addresses, hands-on workshops, and insightful panel discussions that explore new frontiers while promoting sustainability and stewardship.
Italy’s space sector continues to play a vital role on the global stage, driven by a commitment to innovation, international cooperation, and sustainable development. With its strong scientific institutions and a forward-looking space agenda, Italy provides a fitting backdrop for an
Pascale Ehrenfreund, COSPAR President
Assembly focused on securing an exciting future through space research.
We also welcome new startups, space industry, space stakeholders and academic organizations to join us as sponsors or exhibitors. COSPAR 2026 offers a unique opportunity to showcase your commitment to innovative space technology, science and exploration endeavors, connect with a global audience, and support meaningful international collaboration in this vital field.
The city of Florence, with its profound legacy of art, science, and discovery, embodies the spirit of the Scientific Assembly. From its Renaissance heritage to its modern-day innovation, Florence invites us to reflect on the past as we look toward the future. With its cultural richness, architectural beauty, and warm hospitality, the city promises an unforgettable setting for both academic exchange and personal inspiration. The Fortezza da Basso itself is a fort inserted in the fourteenth century walls of Florence, built at the order of Alessandro de’ Medici, Duke of Florence, between 1534 and 1537. The site is now home to numerous conferences, concerts and national and international exhibitions.
On behalf of the Organizing Committees, we encourage all potential attendees, presenters, sponsors, and exhibitors to become involved in COSPAR 2026 which is sure to be a week of exciting exchanges about groundbreaking research, meaningful dialogue, memorable experiences, and much scientific networking.
We look forward to receiving your abstract for the 46th Scientific Assembly as we chart together a sustainable path for the future of space research—and our planet.
Pietro Ubertini, Chair, COSPAR 2026 Local Organizing Committee, COSPAR Vice-President
Yours sincerely,
INVITATION
It is our great pleasure and honor to invite you all to the 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly to be hosted in Florence, Italy, 1-9 August 2026.
Your ideas, expertise, and experiences, shared among us, will contribute to reshaping the future of space science beyond imagination and stimulate the development of the next generation of space professionals and students across all regions in this rapidly rising new space age. Italy’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, within developed and underdeveloped nations.
The COSPAR 2026 LOC and SPC, with the support of the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Italian National Committee for COSPAR, the Italian Astrophysics and Space Science institutes, the Italian Space Science societies and many private companies, are committed to offering the best and most effective platform where all participants can be inspired and enlightened in every way. In addition, Florence 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 Florence’s rich architectural, cultural, and urban legacies in and around the Assembly.
We eagerly await the pleasure of welcoming all of you to Florence.
Pietro Ubertini Chair
COSPAR 2026
Marco Tavani Chair
COSPAR 2026
T h e C O S P A R S c i e n t i f i c A s s e m b l y s e r v e s a s a p l a t f o r m
f o r s c i e n t i s t s , r e s e a r c h e r s , e n g i n e e r s , a n d s p a c e
p r o f e s s i o n a l s f r o m a r o u n d t h e w o r l d t o g a t h e r a n d
p r e s e n t t h e i r l a t e s t r e s e a r c h f i n d i n g s , e x c h a n g e
k n o w l e d g e , a n d d i s c u s s a d v a n c e m e n t s i n s p a c e
s c i e n c e a n d t e c h n o l o g y . C o n t i n u i n g t h e l e g a c y o f o n e
o f t h e m o s t s u c c e s s f u l C O S P A R S c i e n t i f i c A s s e m b l y
h e l d i n B u s a n i n 2 0 2 4 , F l o r e n c e 2 0 2 6 g u a r a n t e e s a
m o s t f r u i t f u l , a m u s i n g , a n d m e m o r a b l e A s s e m b l y f o r
a l l p a r t i c i p a n t s .
KEY FEATURES
The key features of COSPAR 2026 will include:
1. Assembly program: the 46th 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 reduce the number of events scheduled at the very beginning or end of each day. In addition, to reinforce the commitment to our motto “Sustainable Space Research for the Planet”, all cross-sectoral events including interdisciplinary lectures, panel discussions, and poster sessions are scheduled to foster dialogue on the responsible use of space for the benefit of Earth and humanity.
2. Social events & networking: COSPAR 2026 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 welcome reception, young researchers’ networking evening, Lockheed Martin Reception and discussion, will elevate networking as well as accelerate building professional relationships.
Italy’s space sector continues to play a vital role on the global stage, driven by a commitment to innovation, international cooperation, and sustainable development. With its strong scientific institutions and a forward-looking space agenda, Italy provides a fitting backdrop for an Assembly focused on securing an exciting future through space research.
We also welcome new startups, the space industry, space stakeholders and academic organizations to join us as sponsors or exhibitors. COSPAR 2026 offers a unique opportunity to showcase your commitment to innovative space technology, science and exploration endeavors, connect with a global audience, and support meaningful international collaboration in this vital field.
On behalf of the Organizing Committees, we encourage all potential attendees, presenters, sponsors, and exhibitors to become involved in COSPAR 2026, which is sure to be a week of exciting exchanges about groundbreaking research, meaningful dialogue, memorable experiences, and much scientific networking.
We look forward to receiving your abstract for the 46th Scientific Assembly as we chart together a sustainable path for the future of space research and our planet.
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
1AUG SaturDAY
REGISTRATION
IAA DAY
cospar council meeting (closed (event)
2 AUG SUNDAY
REGISTRATION
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 1
BREAK
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 2
LUNCH BREAK Business MEETING
Interdisc. LECTURE
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 3
POSTER SESSION
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 4
3AUG MONDAY
REGISTRATION
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 5
BREAK
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 6
LUNCH BREAK Business MEETING
ROUND TABLE SPACE AGENCY
POSTER SESSION OPENING & AWARD CEREMONY
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 7
WELCOME RECEPTION
4 AUG TUESDAY
REGISTRATION
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 8
BREAK
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 9
LUNCH BREAK Business MEETING
CIR PANEL DISCUSSION
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 10
POSTER SESSION
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 11
LOCKHEED MARTIN RECEPTION + discussion
5 AUG WEDNESDAY
REGISTRATION
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 12
BREAK
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 13
LUNCH BREAK Business MEETING
Interdisc. LECTURE
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 14
POSTER SESSION
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 15
YOUNG RESEARCH
NETWORKING EVE
6 AUG THURSDAY
REGISTRATION
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 16
BREAK
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 17
LUNCH BREAK Business MEETING
Interdisc. LECTURE
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 18
POSTER SESSION
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 19
7 AUG FRIDAY
REGISTRATION
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 20
BREAK
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 21
LUNCH BREAK Business MEETING
Interdisc. LECTURE
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 22
POSTER SESSION
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 23
SOCIAL EVENT & COUNCIL EVE (closed (event)
8 AUG SATURDAY
REGISTRATION
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 24
BREAK
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 25
LUNCH BREAK Business MEETING
SCIENTIFIC SESSION 26
BREAK SECOND COUNCIL SESSION (closed (event)
FEEs
2025 November 8
Abstract submission opens
2025 November 17
Early bird registration opens
2026 February 13
Abstract submission closes
2026 April 13
Notification of acceptance
2026 May 17
Early bird registration closes
2026 July 15
Regular registration and payment by bank transfer closes
2026 July 28
Online registration closes
2026 August 1-9
On site registration
CALENDAR
FlorencE
Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is a vibrant city renowned for its rich blend of culture, art, science, and industry. Strategically located, it offers both historical charm and modern accessibility. With its historical sites and monuments, along with several unique museums like the Uffizi, Florence is one of the most visited cities in the world. The city has a profound scientific legacy, notably linked to Galileo Galilei; Florence is a hub for advanced research through - to mention a few - the Arcetri Astrophysical Observatory of the National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF), the University of Florence, the local section and the Galileo Galilei Institute of the National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), the National Research Council (CNR) that maintains multiple institutes here. This research environment is further bolstered by hightech firms like Leonardo S.p.A., fostering innovation through academia-industry collaboration.
accomodation congress venue
The 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly will be held in the Fortezza da Basso venue. A unique location in the world – a 16th century Medicean fortress in the heart of Florence, combining Renaissance architecture masterpieces and state-of-the-art technologies A complex of century-old and contemporary buildings, featuring different sizes and characteristics, where you can organise events and exhibitions without leaving anything to chance.
75%of Hotels withinwalking distance from theCongress Citadel within 1 kilometer
Great offer of 3-4* hotels
+200 properties located in the Historical City Centre
florence, EASILY REACHABLE FROM ALL AROUND EU!
Florence Airport has direct flight connections with all the major European hubs.
Moreover, Florence is strategically located at only 30 mins by train from Bologna and 50 mins from Pisa. This district of 3 international Airports guarantees a good level of international accessibility.
lisbon madrid barcelona
paris
london amsterdam brussels berlin munich
rome
bucharest
Rome
Direct Flights from/to all over the world
90 mins journey from/to Florence by direct train
Every 30 mins a high-speed train to/from Florence
Milan
Direct Flights from/to all over the world
105 mins journey from/to Florence
40 mins from Milan to Malpensa Airport
Every 30 mins a high-speed train to/from Florence
Depending on their citizenship, delegates may need to obtain avisa before coming to Italy. It is the delegate’s responsibility to investigate the visa requirements for Italy and to apply for a visa, if necessary.
For detailed information and to check your status, visit the website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
ORGANIZING SECRETARIAT CONTACT
+39 02 566011 cospar2026@aimgroup.eu
AIM Italy – Florence Office Via Giovanni del Pian dei Carpini 21 50127 Florence, Italy
loc CONTACT
cospar.loc2026@inaf.it
Abstract Submission
The abstract submission website is located at: www.cospar-assembly.org. ZARM (the Centre of Applied Space Technology and Micro-gravity, University of Bremen, Germany) assists in the organization of COSPAR’s Scientific Assemblies, particularly with respect to management of the abstract handling arrangements. As posted on www.cospar-assembly.org, the webpage will be open for abstract submissions from 8 November 2025.
Abstract Submission Procedure
Participants who wish to give a presentation (oral or poster) must submit an abstract follow-ing the instructions below. Abstracts should be short (one page maximum), clear, concise and written in English with correct spelling and good sentence structure. Mathematical symbols and equations must be typed in, and metric symbols should be used. Figures and tables should not be included. It is important that the abstract should be checked thoroughly, particularly with regard to the list of authors, before it is submitted. By submitting an abstract, the author is undertaking to make a presentation during the Assembly. Abstracts must be submitted on-line. Authors are encouraged to prepare their abstracts using a text editor of their own choice prior to entering the submission website.
Follow the instructions below to submit your abstract:
1. Use the Call for Abstracts or the Assembly website to identify the event most appropriate for your presentation.
2. Go to the web page of the scientific program: www.cospar-assembly.org
3. Click on ‘Abstract Submission and Log-in’ in the left-hand menu column.
4. Log-in.
(a) If not already a user of the system with a username and password, click ‘ OBTAIN LOGIN for Abstract Submission ’ in the left-hand menu column and enter the requested information. Choose your personal username and set your own password.
(b) If you registered for a previous Assembly or were a co-author on a presentation at an Assembly from 2008
(Montréal) or later, enter your Username and Password or click “Forgot your password.” If you have forgotten your User-name, first click "Forgot your username" to receive this information by e-mail and then reset your password afterward.
Please use the process described under (b) if you have been an author or co-author on any presentation at a COSPAR Scientific Assembly since 2008 rather than creating multiple profiles.
5. Click “Add Abstract” near the centre of the screen and fill in the “Add Abstract” form according to the instructions indicated.
Abstracts submitted by e-mail, fax or hard copy will not be processed.
6. Compose and edit your abstract online at www.cosparassembly.org . You will be asked to provide: (1) Title; (2) Author(s); (3) Affiliation(s) of Author(s); and (4) Text of the abstract (see the full instructions on-line for the proper formatting of this material).
7. Acknowledgement: Authors whose abstracts have been received and successfully processed will receive an acknowledgement regarding the receipt and status of their contribution as well as its ID-No. for future updating/correction or withdrawal.
Please Note: This call for abstracts is the sole announcement for the 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Updates will be posted on the web at: www.cosparassembly.org
See also the website of the Local Organizing Committee for registration, accommodation, local logistics, etc. at: www.cospar2026.org
Important
The webpage for abstract submission will be open as of 8 November 2025. Submissions are limited to not more than two solicited abstracts and two contributed abstracts on which the submitter is the presenter.
To cover COSPAR’s cost for processing abstracts, an administrative fee of €25 will be charged for each abstract submitted. The abstract submission fee is non-refundable and is not based on approval of your abstract submission or attendance at the Scientific Assembly. Refunds will not be issued for abstracts that are withdrawn.
Any amendments within your abstract can be done free of charge using the online submission system.
The only method of payment accepted for the abstract submission fee is by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express) through the abstract submission system.
The abstract submission fee does not register you for the Scientific Assembly for which a separate registration fee, paid to the Local Organizing Committee, applies. All presenters must register in order to attend the Scientific Assembly.
Abstract Publication
Abstracts of contributions accepted for presentation by the event organizers and by the Program Committee will be published online as ‘Accepted Abstracts’ of the respective session/event.
◀ QR code to link to scientific program information and abstract submission. Abstract submission opens 8 November 2025
Scientific Assembly at a Glance
The following information on scheduling is subject to modification (please see the Assembly webpage in May, June, and July 2026 for updates).
Inaugural and Special Events
The Assembly opening ceremony, awards ceremony, space agency roundtable, and inaugural reception, are expected to take place Monday afternoon, 3 August.
Scientific sessions are expected to begin on Sunday morning, 2 August and run through Saturday afternoon, 8 August.
Mid-day interdisciplinary lectures, panel events, and business meetings will take place throughout the week.
Open Scientific Commission and Panel Business Meetings
The majority of open business meetings of the COSPAR Scientific Commissions and Panels will be held from Sunday to Friday, 2–7 August, during the lunch break. All Assembly participants are encouraged to attend the business meetings of the Scientific Commissions, Panels, and Task Groups which cover topics of interest
to them. At these meetings Associates (i.e. Assembly participants) will have the opportunity to influence COSPAR policy by electing scientific officers, joining in the discussions concerning scientific matters, and helping to determine the program for the next Scientific Assembly.
COSPAR Council and Bureau Meetings (Closed except to members as noted below)
The first session of the Council meeting (closed except to official representatives of National Institution and Scientific Union members, Scientific Commission Chairs, and the Finance Committee Chair) will be held on Saturday afternoon, 1 August.
The final Council session (closed as noted above) will be held on Saturday afternoon, 8 August.
The agenda for the Council meeting is expected to cover, among other items:
• Election of officers
• Presentation of bids for the 2030 Assembly (first session) and selection of the site for the 2030 Assembly (second session),
• Review of actions taken by the Bureau between the 2024 and 2026 COSPAR Assemblies,
• Business to be dealt with and decisions to be taken during the Assembly.
A meeting of the COSPAR Bureau (closed) may be convoked during the Assembly.
Members of the Council and Bureau are reminded of the importance of attending these meetings, particularly since decisions on financial and other matters are scheduled.
The meetings will also provide an opportunity to exchange information on items of interest to the space research community.
COSPAR Program Committee
The COSPAR Program Committee is chaired by Prof. Marco Tavani, Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica – INAF (marco.tavani@inaf.it). The Co-Chairs are Dr. Francesca Altieri, INAF (francesca.altieri@inaf.it), and Dr. Giancarlo Ghirlanda, INAF (giancarlo.ghirlanda@brera.inaf.it). Each COSPAR Scientific Commission (SC), Panel,
SC A Dr. Jérôme Benveniste (France) Jerome@Benveniste.Space
SC B Prof. Hajime Yano (Japan) yano.hajime@jaxa.jp
SC C Prof. Duggirala Pallamraju (India) raju@prl.res.in
SC D Dr. Nicole Vilmer (France) nicole.vilmer@obspm.fr
SC E Dr. Iossif Papadakis (Greece) jhep@physics.uoc.gr
SC F Prof. Tom Hei (USA) tkh1@cumc.columbia.edu
SC G Dr. Marc Avila (Germany) directorate@zarm.uni-bremen.de
SC H Dr. Manuel Rodrigues (France) manuel.rodrigues@onera.fr
PCB Dr. Juan Carlos Gabriel (Germany) juan.carlos.gabriel@gmail.com
PCSS Dr. Dan Baker (USA) daniel.baker@lasp.colorado.edu
PE Dr. Rosa Doran (Portugal) rosa.doran@nuclio.org
PECISS Ms. Mary Snitch mary.snitch@lmco.com
PEDAS Dr. Carolin Frueh (USA) cfrueh@purdue.edu
independent Task Group, and Committee on Industry Relations (CIR) chair is a member of the Program Committee.
See the Matrix chapter of this Call for Abstracts or the inside back cover of Space Research Today for the full titles of COSPAR’s Scientific Commissions and Panels.
PEX Prof. Michel Blanc (France) michel.blanc@irap.omp.eu
PIDEA Dr. Luisella Guilicchi luisella.giulicchi@esa.int
PIR Dr. Pontus Brandt (USA) pontus.brandt@jhuapl.edu
PMLDS Prof. Yuri Shprits (Germany) yshprits@gfz-potsdam.de
PoIS Dr. Eric H. Smith (USA) eric.h.smith@lmco.com
PPP Dr. Athena Coustenis (France) athena.coustenis@obspm.fr
PRBEM Prof. Yoshizumi Miyoshi (Japan) miyoshi@isee.nagoya-u.ac.jp
PSB Dr. Mattias Abrahamsson (Sweden) mattias.abrahamsson@sscspace.com
PSD Prof. Adrian Jäggi (Switzerland) adrian.jaeggi@unibe.ch
PSW Dr. Mario Bisi (United Kingdom) Mario.Bisi@stfc.ac.uk
TGIGSP Dr. Larry Kepko (USA) larry.kepko@nasa.gov
CIR Dr. Alison Nordt alison.a.nordt@lmco.com
Matrix of Events of Particular Interdisciplinary Interest
For previous Assemblies, the Program Committee used joint event numbering to identify events which were of interest to more than one discipline. To avoid the confusion and repetition of joint numbering, the matrix on the following pages shows at a glance sessions of particular
interdisciplinary interest. Participants are advised to scan all event titles for other sessions of interest.
For reference, topics covered by COSPAR Scientific Commissions and Panels are listed below:
SC A Earth’s Surface, Meteorology and Climate
SC B Earth-Moon System, Planets, and Small Bodies of the Solar System
SC C Upper Atmospheres of the Earth and Planets including Reference Atmo-spheres
SC D Space Plasmas in the Solar System, including Planetary Magnetospheres
SC E Research in Astrophysics from Space
SC F Life Sciences as Related to Space
SC G Materials Sciences in Space
SC H Fundamental Physics in Space
PCB Capacity Building
PCSS Constellation of Small Satellites
PE Education
PECISS Early Careers & International Space Societies
PEDAS Potentially Environmentally Detrimental Activities in Space
PEX Exploration
PIDEA Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessiblity
PIR Interstellar Research
PMLDS Machine Learning & Data Science
PoIS Innovative Solutions
PPP Planetary Protection
PRBEM Radiation Belt Environment Model-ling
PSB Technical Problems Related to Scientific Ballooning
PSD Satellite Dynamics
PSW Space Weather
TGIGSP Task Group on Establishing an International Geospace Systems Program
▶ See the matrix on the next pages
B4.3
B4.4
B4.5
B5.1
B6.1_E4.1
C1.3
C1.5
C3.1 C3.2
C3.3
C4.1
C4.2 ■ ■
C5.1_D4.1
D0.1
D1.1
D1.2
D1.3
D2.1_E3.1
D2.2_E3.2
D2.3_E3.3
D2.4_E3.4
D2.5_E3.5 ■
D2.6_E3.6
D2.7_E3.7
D3.1
D3.2 ■
D3.3
D3.4 ■
D3.5
D3.6 ■ ■
D3.7
C5.1_D4.1
E0.1
E1.1
E1.2
E1.3
E1.4
E1.5
E1.6
E1.7
E1.8
E1.9
E1.10
E1.11
E1.12
E1.13
E1.14
E1.15
E1.16
E1.17
E1.18
E1.19
E1.20
E1.21
E1.22
E1.23
E2.1
E2.2
E2.3
E2.4
E2.5
E2.6
E2.7
D2.1_E3.1
D2.2_E3.2
D2.3_E3.3
D2.4_E3.4
D2.5_E3.5 ■
D2.6_E3.6
D2.7_E3.7
B6.1_E4.1 ■
F0.1
F3.2
F3.3
F3.4
F3.5
F4.1
F4.2
F4.3
F5.1
PCSS.1
PSD.1
PSD.2
Financial Support
A very limited amount of money will be available to facilitate participation in the 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Please read the instructions below and, if appropriate, complete the application form available by clicking the ‘Financial Support’ link at www.cospar-assembly.org/
Participants in COSPAR Scientific Assemblies are reminded that they should rely on their own national sources to finance travel/living expenses. In exceptional cases, partial support, up to a maximum of €1,200, may be available to those who are unable to obtain sufficient funding. In many cases, only some seed money will be provided. Priority will be given to:
1. Scientists under 35 years of age on 1 January 2026 (50% of available funds will be reserved for this category),
2. Scientists from developing countries,
3. Scientists from COSPAR member countries in good standing.
To qualify for financial support, the applicant:
a. Must be scheduled to make a presentation (poster or oral), of which he/she is the principal author, in one or more of the Assembly events and have submitted, by the deadline for financial support applications, the abstract over the web in accordance with the abstract submission instructions;
b. Must secure most of the required financial support from national sources;
c. Must submit a completed financial support application form to the Main Scientific Organizer of the relevant event (with a copy to the COSPAR Secretariat, cosparcom@cosparhq.cnes.fr) by 13 February 2026 (by that date, abstracts must be available on the web and should not be attached to the application form; early submission of financial support application forms is strongly encouraged);
d. Must submit proof of age if applying as a scientist under 35 and provide proof of student status if planning to register at the student rate.
Successful applicants for financial support from COSPAR are strongly encouraged to submit a manuscript resulting from their Assembly presentation to Advances in Space Research or Life Sciences in Space Research.
Applications will be judged by the Main Scientific Organizer (MSO) with regard to the importance of the applicant’s contribution to the relevant event, with special consideration being given to applicants under 35 years of age. The importance of the contribution will be determined in relation to the complete set of abstracts received and the consequent structuring of the event by the MSO.
Final decisions will be made by the COSPAR Bureau according to the funding available and the priorities outlined above.
All applicants will be informed by the COSPAR Secretariat of the outcome of this process in April 2026. Successful applicants will receive their support upon arrival at the Scientific Assembly. No support will be allocated during the Assembly.
Submission of the financial support application form constitutes authorization to COSPAR and its contractors to share any or all information submitted with the local organizing committee (LOC) of the relevant Assembly and/ or the professional congress organizer hired by the LOC.
Scientific Program - Overview
Key to event numbering: The first letter (A-H) of the event indicates the COSPAR Scientific Commission. Numbers, except 0, immediately following the letter indicate Sub-commissions. The second number designates events organized within the remit of a specific Commission or Sub-commission. COSPAR Panel, independent Task Group, and Committee events are identified by the organizing body's acronym.
MSO = Main Scientific Organizer
Scientific Commission A: Space Studies of the Earth’s Surface, Meteorology and Climate
A0.1 What Are the Remaining Scientific Challenges above Equatorial Regions? How Small Satellites Could Fill the Knowledge Gap?
MSO: Erick Lansard (Nanyang Technological University—NTU, Singapore, Rep. of Singapore)
A0.2 Coastal Resilience to Hazards: Bridging the Gap between Earth Observations and User Needs
Studies of the Upper Atmospheres of the Earth and Planets including Reference Atmospheres
C0.1 International Standards for Space Environment
MSO: Yukihito Kitazawa (JAXA, Japan)
C0.2 Advances in Remote Sensing of the Middle and Upper Atmospheres and Ionosphere from the Ground and from Space, including Sounding Rockets, Novel Radar and Multi-instrument Studies
MSO: David Rees (The Paradigm Factor Ltd., United Kingdom)
C0.3 Sub-ionospheric Very Low Frequency / Low Frequency Signal Propagation
Effects Coupled with Numerical Techniques: a Low-cost Tool for Investigating Space Weather and Terrestrial Impacts on Lower Ionosphere
MSO: Tamal Basak (Indian Centre for Space Physics, India)
C1.1 Recent Advances in Equatorial, Low- and Mid-Latitude Mesosphere, Thermosphere, and Ionosphere Studies
MSO: Paulo Roberto Fagundes (Universidade do Vale do Paraiba, Brazil)
F5.1 Molecular, Cellular and Physiological Changes to Space Flight and Ground Studies
MSO: Xiao Wen Mao (Loma Linda University, USA)
F5.2 Spaceflight-Associated Human Health Risks - from Discovery Research to Quantitative Modeling
MSO: Janice Huff (NASA Langley Research Center, USA)
F5.3 Isolation/Confinement Studies for Space Exploration
MSO: Francesca Ferranti (ASI, Italy)
Scientific
Commission
G: Materials Sciences in Space
G0.1 Gravitational Effects on Physico-Chemical Processes
MSO: Jeff Porter (Universidad Polit´ecnica de Madrid, Spain)
G0.2 Drop Tower Days
MSO: Marc Avila (University of Bremen, Germany)
G0.3 GravityNEXT
MSO: Álvaro Romero-Calvo (Georgia Institute of Technology, USA)
G0.4 Advanced Materials and their Technologies for Space Exploration
MSO: Kai Li (Chinese Academy of Sciences, China: (CAS)
G0.5 29th ELGRA Symposium and General Assembly
MSO: Kate Robson Brown (University College Dublin, Ireland)
Scientific
Commission
H: Fundamental Physics in Space
H0.1 Scientific Commission H Highlights
MSO: Claus Laemmerzahl (ZARM, University of Bremen, Germany)
H0.2 Cosmology, Gravitation and Quantum Physics Theory
MSO: Orfeu Bertolami (Universidade do Porto, Portugal)
H0.3 Enabling Technology for Fundamental Physics and Quantum Systems in Space
MSO: Sven Herrmann (ZARM, University of Bremen, Germany)
H0.4 Advanced Methods for Geodesy, Metrology, Navigation and Fundamental Physics
MSO: Roberto Peron (INAF - IAPS Rome, Italy)
H0.5 Technology Development for Gravitational Wave Detection from Space
MSO: Paul McNamara (ESA-ESTEC, Netherlands)
Panel on Capacity Building (PCB)
PCB.1 COSPAR Capacity Building
MSO: Carlos Gabriel (COSPAR, Germany)
PCB.2 COSPAR Capacity Building with Small Satellites
MSO: Carlos Gabriel (COSPAR, Germany)
Panel on Establishing a Constellation of Small Satellites (PCSS)
PCSS.1 The Bright Future of Small Satellite Constellations for Space and Earth Science Programs
MSO: Daniel N. Baker (LASP / University of Colorado, USA)
Panel on Education (PE)
PE.1 Space Education in Schools in the Era of Generative AI
MSO: Rosa Doran (NUCLIO - Nu´cleo Interactivo de Astronomia, Portugal)
PE.2 Current Trends, Initiatives and Research in Education and Outreach for Space Sciences
MSO: Gustavo Rojas (NUCLIO - Nu´cleo Interactivo de Astronomia, Portugal)
Panel on Early Careers and International Space Societies (PECISS)
PECISS.1 Early Careers and International Space Societies
MSO: Mary Snitch (Lockheed Martin Space, USA)
Panel on Potentially Environmentally Detrimental Activities in Space (PEDAS)
PEDAS.1 Sustainable Space Exploration: from the Mitigation of Space Debris in Earth’s Orbit to the Safeguard of Planetary Environments
MSO: Carolin Frueh (Purdue University, USA)
PEDAS.2 Current State: Human-made Object Effects, Space Debris Situation and Mitigation Efforts
MSO: Carolin Frueh (Purdue University, USA)
Panel on Exploration (PEX)
PEX.1 Integrating Sustainability, Environmental Ethics and a Responsible Use of Planetary Resources into Planetary Exploration
MSO: Heather Smith (KIPR/ NASA Ames Research Center, USA)
PEX.2 International and Multiple Stakeholders Cooperation in the Sustainable Exploration and Utilisation of the Moon, Near Earth Asteroids, Mars, and other Celestial Bodies
MSO: Andre Galli (University of Bern, Switzerland)
PEX.3 Challenges and Benefits of Planetary Exploration: Towards a New Edition of the COSPAR Exploration Roadmap
MSO: Michel Blanc (IRAP/University of Toulouse /CNRS, France)
Panel on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (PIDEA)
PIDEA.1 What is the State of IDEA Globally?
MSO: Luisella Giulicchi (ESA-ESTEC, Netherlands)
Panel on Interstellar Research (PIR)
PIR.1 Pushing the Farthest Frontier of Space Exploration
MSO: Pontus Brandt (JHU APL, USA)
Panel on Machine Learning and Data Science (PMLDS)
PMLDS.1 Machine Learning and Data Science
MSO: Yuri Shprits (German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany)
PMLDS.2 Machine Learning and Data Science for Geospace
MSO: Simon Wing (JHU, USA)
PMLDS.3 The Risks and Rewards of Machine Learning in Earth Science
MSO: Wolfgang Wagner (Technische Universität Wien, Austria)
PMLDS.4 Machine Learning Applications in Heliophysics and Planetary Magnetospheres: Probing the Future
MSO: Iulia Chifu (Georg-August-University of Göttingen , Germany)
PMLDS.5 Machine Learning and Data Sciences for Space Weather Predictions
MSO: Artem Smirnov (Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum—GFZ, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany)
Panel on Innovative Solutions (PoIS)
PoIS.1 Space Weather Prediction and Mitigation
MSO: George A. Danos (Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation—CSEO, Cyprus)
PoIS.2 Advancements in Quantum Computing
MSO: Eric H. Smith (Lockheed Martin Space, USA)
PoIS.3 AI/ML-enabled Predictive Models of Biological Systems in the Harsh Environment of Space
MSO: Eric H. Smith (Lockheed Martin Space, USA)
PoIS.4 Panel on Human Presence in Cislunar
MSO: Eric H. Smith (Lockheed Martin Space, USA)
Panel on Planetary Protection (PPP)
PPP.1 Planetary Protection Policy
MSO: Athena Coustenis (Paris Observatory, France)
PPP.2 Planetary Protection Research and Development
MSO: Petra Rettberg (DLR - Inst. of Aerospace Medicine, Germany)
PPP.3 The Future of Planetary Protection for Mars
MSO: Gerhard Kminek (ESA, Netherlands)
Panel on Radiation Belt Environment Modelling (PRBEM)
PRBEM.1 Updating Tools and Standards Maintained by the Panel
MSO: Paul O’Brien (The Aerospace Corporation, USA)
PRBEM.2 Radiation Environment Observation across the Solar System
MSO: Yoshizumi Miyoshi (Nagoya University, Japan)
PRBEM.3 Applied Numerical and Empirical Space Radiation Models
MSO: Dedong Wang (German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany)
Panel on Technical Problems Related to Scientific Ballooning (PSB)
PSB.1 S Scientific Ballooning: Recent Developments in Technology and Instrumentation
MSO: Vincent Dubourg (CNES, France)
Panel on Satellite Dynamics (PSD)
PSD.1 Satellite Dynamics: New Developments and Challenges for Earth and Solar System Sciences
MSO: Adrian Jäggi (Astronomical Institute, University of Bern, Switzerland)
PSW.8 Ground-Based Observations/Measurements and Networks/Infrastructures for Space-Weather Purposes
MSO: Mario M. Bisi (STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, United Kingdom)
PSW.9 International Space Weather Missions and Coordination: Current and Planned Missions
MSO: Juha-Pekka Luntama (ESA, Germany)
PSW.10 Heliostories: Towards Solar Maximum - Comparative Studies of Great Storms
MSO: Maria Kuznetsova (NASA GSFC/Heliophysics Science Division, USA)
PSW.11 Enhancing Space Weather Forecasting and Mitigation: Approaches and Real-time Impact Assessment
MSO: Judith de Patoul (Royal Observatory of Belgium, Belgium)
Task Groups on Establishing an International Geospace Systems Program (TGIGSP)
TGIGSP.1 Ground-Based Observations/Measurements and Networks/Infrastructures for Space-Weather Purposes
MSO: Larry Kepko (NASA GSFC, USA)
Scientific Program - Details
The complete Scientific Assembly timetable indicating event dates and durations will be posted on the web in April 2026. In the meantime, please see the abstract submission website (https://www.cospar-assembly.org/assembly.php) for updates and additional information, including institutional affiliation and contact details of scientific event organizers, completed lists of scientific event organizing committees, confirmed solicited speakers, etc.
MSO = Main Scientific Organizer. DO = Deputy Organizer.
A0.1 What Are the Remaining Scientific Challenges above Equatorial Regions? How Small Satellites Could Fill the Knowledge Gap?
Event Information: Many satellites of different costs and performances have been deployed by several countries over the years to better understand the environmental phenomena that are impacting our planet, in a context of increased extreme events due to climate change yet also harmful geo-hazards in more populated areas.
Although significant scientific progress has been made over the years, it appears that many equatorial phenomena are not yet fully understood, and that models and forecast are not accurate enough to mitigate the risks (eg: Tropical thunderstorms; Atmospheric propagation of volcanic ashes, aerosols, GHG and other pollutants; Tsunamis, earthquakes, landslides, wildfires; Coastal erosion and flooding etc.). This is mainly due to the lack of data over the equatorial regions, the equatorial belt being poorly covered by polar satellites.
The objectives of this special event are (i) to review the remaining scientific challenges above equatorial regions (e.g.: Atmosphere and Troposphere; Marine and Coastal; Solid Earth and Land; Ionosphere and Space Weather), (ii) to review how small satellites could improve the current approach, at different levels (e.g.: Systems and sensors; Data processing and modelling; Applications and Services), to significantly enhance the scientific value of existing satellites.
For example, exploiting the complementarity between high performance/poor revisit polar satellites and mid-low performance/high revisit small/very small satellites might allow a disruptive design of low-cost, fast and sober solutions with potentially high scientific value, for the mutual benefit of both equatorial and non-equatorial countries.
A0.2 Coastal Resilience to Hazards: Bridging the Gap between Earth Observations and User Needs
Organizing Committee: Yuhe T (Tony) Song (NASA/JPL, USA)
Event Information: Coastal zones, home to vital ecosystems and growing populations, face severe threats from climate change, rising sea levels, hurricanes, tsunamis, and coastal erosion, all intensified by human activities.
Enhancing coastal resilience has become a priority for governments and environmental advocates. However, understanding coastal processes is hindered by data gaps and the challenge of integrating satellite observations, in-situ data and
modelling capacities. The CEOS COAST initiative addresses these challenges through pilot projects—Land 2 Sea and Sea 2 Land—focused on coastline changes, flooding, and land-based nutrient transfer into oceans. The GEO Blue Planet initiative contributes to this topic by facilitating data integration for improved decision-making around specific topics including Sargassum, marine litter pollution or eutrophication. Through CEOS and GEO Blue Planet, stakeholders are engaged in co-designing solutions to enhance coastal data products, bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and decision-makers’ needs. These efforts advance climate change adaptation and foster sustainable development across coastal regions. Please submit abstracts reporting your work in the Coastal Zone to this session.
A0.3 Green Solutions to Tackle Climate Change Using EO
Organizing Committee: Diego Fernandez (ESA, Italy)
Event Information: This event should address possible solutions to respond to the actual triple crisis on climate, pollution and biodiversity. These solutions can be used by a wide scientific community but is as well targeting new end users and applications for the general public.
The new ESA Earth Observation (EO) Science Strategy emphasizes the pivotal role of EO in advancing green solutions to address these pressing environmental challenges. The strategy prioritizes the integration of EO data into developing green solutions, leveraging predictive models, and harnessing frontier science across six overarching themes, such as climate science and extreme events. This holistic approach aims to foster sustainable policies, facilitate global partnerships, and enhance industrial competitiveness. The Earth Action initiative under this strategy consolidates decades of knowledge and expertise, responding to diverse policy frameworks and sustainability goals. This event will bring together science, applications and policy in this context.
A1.1 Space-based and Sub-orbital Observations of Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry: Critical Information on the Health of our Planet
MSO/DO(s): Yasuko Kasai (National Institute of Information and Communication Technology-NICT, Japan), Kaley Walker (University of Toronto, Canada)
Organizing Committee: Jean-Christopher Lambert (Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy, Belgium); Witold Rohm (Wroc law University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Poland)
Event Information: Space-based remote sensing observations have become an indispensable tool for monitoring the state of the atmosphere as well as improving our scientific understanding of the physical and chemical processes of the Earth system. Many satellite data products have reached a state of maturity that qualifies them to be used as essential climate variable (ECV) data sets. One of the main aims of this session is to provide a forum for interaction between space-based and sub-orbital remote sensing communities working in the related science areas of atmospheric chemistry and physics. Contributions are welcome for: New missions and techniques, instrument and retrieval development (including signals of opportunity), current validation comparisons, technical and spacecraft engineering issues, and scientific analyses of greenhouse gases, tropospheric pollution, tropospheric and stratospheric aerosols, the UT/LS region, and the dynamics and chemistry of the stratosphere and mesosphere. Contributions on suborbital missions, small satellites and geostationary satellites are particularly encouraged.
A2.1 Science and Applications Enabled by Satellite Missions for Monitoring the Global Ocean and the Cryosphere
MSO/DO(s): Martin Saraceno (Centro de Investigaciones del Mar y la Atmósfera, Argentina), Sahra Kacimi (Caltech JPL, USA)
Organizing Committee: Sahra Kacimi (JPL,USA), Fabricio Oliveira (FURG,Brazil), C.K. Shum (Ohio State University, USA)
Event Information: The aim of this event is to promote the values of scientific and commercial satellite missions for interdisciplinary research and applications relevant, but not limited to the oceans and the cryosphere. Satellite measurements have greatly improved our understanding of changes in oceanic and cryospheric processes including mesoscale and sub-mesoscale dynamics, loss of land ice and its contribution to global sea-level rise, or changes in sea ice extent and its impact on ice-albedo feedback. This session aims to highlight studies where special retrieval algorithms are required to improve the accuracy and resolutions of current and future satellite measurements for the monitoring of oceans and the cryosphere. Also encouraged are studies based on the synergy of different measurements, the use of machine-learning, and the combination with models or situ data for ocean and cryosphere science and applications. Finally, contributions to advance future satellite mission concepts, sensor technologies, and processing algorithms are welcome.
A3.1 New Earth Observation Technologies and their Applications for Sustainable Terrestrial Ecosystems under Climate Change
MSO/DO(s): Kanako Muramatsu (Nara Women’s University, Japan), Linghua Guo (China Academy of Space Technology, China: Chinese Academy of Sciences-CAS)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: The symposium will highlight the essential importance for monitoring Earth system for understanding the human impacts on the system and for sustainable terrestrial ecosystem. We invite contributions to following topics: vegetation monitoring and the terrestrial carbon cycle; biosphere, biodiversity and nature positive; land use/cover and their changes; agriculture; sustainable cities; carbon neutral, terrestrial water cycle, water management and water quality; natural disasters and their impacts; advances in solid earth science from satellite and airborne geodesy; data assimilation; synergistic use of satellite data and UAV; and future mission concepts.
B0.1 Overview Event of Scientific Commission-B: Solar System Science Highlights
MSO/DO(s): Hajime Yano (Institute of Space and Astronautical Science-ISAS, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency JAXA, Japan), Rosaly Lopes (Jet Propulsion Laboratory-JPL, California Institute of Technology-Caltech, USA)
Organizing Committee: Ernesto Palomba (SC-B1 Chair, INAF, Italy), Christopher Kotsakis (SC-B2 Chair, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece), Megha Bhatt (SC-B3 Chair, Physical Research Laboratory, India), Gerhard Kminek (SC-B4 Chair, ESA/ESTEC, the Netherlands), Morgan Cable (SC-B5 Chair, JPL/Caltech, USA), Francesca Altieri(SC-B6 Chair, INAF, Italy), Bernard Foing (SC-B Vice Chair, Leiden Observatory, Netherlands)
B0.2 Planetary Exploration Roadmap 2040 and Programmes
MSO/DO(s): Bernard H. Foing (Leiden Observatory, Space Renaissance International, Netherlands), Michel Blanc (IRAP/ University of Toulouse/CNRS, France)
Organizing Committee: representatives from COSPAR Commissions/Panels, from Agencies (ESA, NASA, national), Industries, Academies and organisations (IAF, IAA, UN COPUOS, EGU, Europlanet, ILEWG, IMEWG, ISECG, LEAG, MEPAG, OPAG)
Event Information: This COSPAR B0.2 /PEX session “Planetary Exploration Roadmap 2040 and Programmes” will welcome solicited and contributed talks, as well as interactive posters addressing the major scientific and technological achievements, benefits and challenges of robotic and human exploration for the next 20 years, for discussion by the COSPAR community assembled in COSPAR2025 Florence. It will include reports from B sub-commission as well as contributions from other COSPAR commissions (ACDEFGH) and panels. It will be a key milestone in the consolidation of the new COSPAR Exploration Roadmap at the 2026 COSPAR Assembly. The session will particularly welcome oral and poster contributions presenting innovative approaches to the challenges of sustainability and environmental stewardship in planetary exploration. Communications addressing the benefits of international and public-private partnerships in meeting these challenges will be particularly welcome. We shall put emphasis on interdisciplinary activities involving various COSPAR commissions and panels, and on multiple stakeholders’ initiatives with international, academic, commercial and public-private partnerships. The SOC will include representatives from COSPAR Commissions/Panels indicated below, as well as from Agencies (ESA, NASA, national), Industries, Academies and organisations (IAF, IAA, UN COPUOS, EGU, Europlanet, ILEWG, IMEWG, ISECG, LEAG, MEPAG, OPAG)
B0.3 Sample Returns from Everywhere
MSO/DO(s): Hajime Yano (ISAS-JAXA, Japan)
Organizing Committee: TBA
B0.4 Technologies and Instrumentations for Solar System Exploration
MSO/DO(s): Fabrizio Dirri (INAF-National Institute for Astrophysics, Italy), M. Shanmugam (Physical Research LaboratoryPRL, India), Giulia Alemanno (DLR-PF, Berlin, Germany)
Organizing Committee: Birgit Ritter (Royal Observatory of Belgium, Belgium); Andrea Longobardo (INAF, Italy); K. Sankarasubramanian (URSC-Indian Space Research Organization, India); Tomas Kohout (University of Helsinki, Finland); Tatsuaki Okada (JAXA, Japan); Julia de Leon (Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias-Centro de Astrofísica en La Palma-CALP, Spain)
Event Information: The developing of new technology and instrumentation for planetary exploration has allowed scientists to learn more about the Earth-moon System, planets and small bodies of Solar System and was fundamental to achieve scientific and technological mission’s goals. The use of innovative planetary exploration architectures including small satellites, rovers, landers, probes, and a combination help to expands our exploration arsenal available to planetary science. This session aims to provide a wide canvas of technologies and instruments used in the previous, ongoing and future missions and is opened to the following topic:
• Reviews of instruments on previous missions: results obtained and lessons learned;
• Remote and in-situ analysis instruments as synthetic aperture radar, camera, spectrometers, seismic instrumentation, dust sensors, etc.;
• Instruments developed for astrobiology aims and related laboratory activities;
• Instrument for nanosats, CubeSats and descend probes;
• Next generation of technologies and instruments to be used for Solar System exploration (Sun, Mars, Venus, Mercury, etc.) Mars Landers and Sample Return (e.g. Tianwen-3, ExoMars, Mars Sample Return), Moon Landers/platforms (Artemis, Chandrayaan, Change programmes), Planetary Defence Missions (e.g. HERA/ESA, RAMSES/ESA), Orbiter (e.g. TGO/ExoMars, ESA/JUICE);
• Studies and concepts for future instrument/payload and the related laboratory activity.
B1.1 Small Body Science: New Progress by Space Exploration, Observatories, Laboratory Studies of Returned Sample and Theoretical Simulations
MSO/DO(s): Ernesto Palomba (INAF-IAPS Rome, Italy), Patrick Michel (Université Côte d’Azur, Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur, CNRS, France)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Small bodies are critical targets of science of multiple aspects (solar system evolution, planetary defense, and asteroid mining) in the next years. New Space missions will be close to be launched, others are travelling to their targets. A potential list includes LUCY, Destiny+, MMX, Hayabusa 2, Tianwen-2. In 2029 the potentially dangerous asteroid (99942) Apophis will come extremely close to Earth. Multiple space Missions (RAMSES, APEX), including a private sector-lead mission and international observational campaigns are in preparation for this unique event. Latest results from Telescopic observations from ground and Space have reshaped our understanding of the small body world. The analysis of samples returned from various asteroid missions, as well as laboratory experiments and modeling, is fundamental to gaining critical insights into the correlation between meteorites and the bulk asteroid population, and ground calibration of onboard instruments.
This scientific event focuses multidisciplinary topics on small body science and will include presentations from space missions and related instruments’, telescopic observations, meteoritic and meteors analyses, laboratory experiments, computational and theoretical studies. It will continue the success of previous assemblies, featuring presentations from a diverse range of institutions, nationalities, genders, and a mix of senior and early-career scientists, covering the broad spectrum of topics in Small Body Science.
B1.2 Space Instrumentation for Scientific, Planetary Defense and Mining Applications for Small Bodies
MSO/DO(s): Tomoko Arai (Chiba Institute of Technology, Japan), Marianna Angrisani (INAF/IAPS, Italy)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Small bodies such as asteroids and comets are key to advancing scientific knowledge of solar system evolution, developing planetary defense strategies, and enabling the future of space resource utilization. With several new missions poised for launch and others already en route—space agencies and private entities are intensifying their focus on these targets. A milestone event will occur in 2029, when the potentially hazardous asteroid (99942) Apophis makes an exceptionally close approach to Earth. This rare opportunity has prompted a wave of planned missions and international observation campaigns aimed at comprehensive study. These efforts will showcase a broad suite of space instruments designed for small body exploration, with mission goals
including surface characterization, impact deflection, hazard assessment, sample return, and in-situ resource utilization. Interest in extracting raw materials from near-Earth objects (NEOs) is accelerating, driven by both economic potential and the strategic value of supporting sustained space operations.
This session will highlight current and upcoming instrumentation efforts, featuring contributions from a diverse global community of scientists, engineers, and mission planners. Together, they will present innovations that span the full spectrum of small body science and its applications - from planetary defense to the emerging field of asteroid mining.
B2.1 Geologic Mapping and Geodesy Techniques for Planetary Exploration
MSO/DO(s): Alessandro Frigeri (IAPS/INAF, Italy)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: This session discusses geologic mapping and geodesy of all of the solar system bodies in the context of planetary exploration missions organized by international organizations and private companies. Mapping and geodesy are foundations for planning and conducting scientific investigations of the frontiers of planetary bodies efficiently and safely. This event welcomes research reports on mapping and geodesy products, techniques, and methods that users and institutions have adopted since the dawn of solar system exploration, as well as recent contributions of altimetry, radar, and multi-wavelength geochemical maps to space missions. Presentations in pure and applied science are also welcome for both geologic mapping and geodesy studies. This event also discusses limitations and challenges of geologic mapping programs and geodesy techniques for planetary science at present. A special focus will be dedicated to the quality, accessibility, and usability of geologic maps and geodesy products by broad users involved in planetary science, mission planning and operations of robotic and human exploration, as well as resource evaluation of the solar system bodies.
Event Information: The Moon, a natural laboratory nearest to us, has been explored by orbiters/landers/rovers and insights further refined by analysing new and previous returned samples. We invite abstracts for presentations under broad theme of lunar science and exploration that encompasses wide range of topics including lunar geology, surface modification processes, resource utilization, exosphere and sample based analyses. The theme also covers abstracts on future plans of human and robotic exploration of the Moon. The session will include invited, contributed, and poster papers on new science results from recent missions, lab-based analysis of lunar returned samples and meteorites, and modelling outcomes.
B3.2 Accelerating New Space Innovations for Lunar and Solar System Exploration
MSO/DO(s): James Bell (Arizona State University, USA), Lewis Pinault (Birkbeck College, University of London, Japan)
Event Information: Commercial and private entities continue to play an increasingly important role in the design, development, and operation of deep space science and exploration instruments and missions, significantly augmenting the traditional leadership roles of universities and government-funded research labs in this realm. Programmes like NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) are launching spacecraft and landing payloads using a combination of funding from national space agencies, venture capital, and private investors, all working as partners to achieve mission goals. Based on some initial successes on the Moon, NASA is even discussing extending that model to a Commercial Mars Payload Services (CMPS) programme as well.
This set of COSPAR-26-B3.2 sessions will specifically focus on past, present, and future concepts for the innovative integration of commercial, private, university, and governmental goals, experience, facilities, and capabilities that can significantly advance solar system space science and exploration. Example topics include ways that the growth of commercially provided lunar, Mars, and/or asteroid infrastructure (such as new landers, rovers, robotic systems, orbital arrays, sensors, telecommunication systems, and enhanced computing power like AI and machine learning) is positively impacting cost and creating new opportunities for the scientific community, including participation by more spacefaring nations, university space programmes, and a new generation of scientists and engineers.
COSPAR-26-B3.2 will include invited, contributed, and poster papers, offering scientific and engineering researchers as well as industry experts and entrepreneurs multidisciplinary opportunities to share mission and/or payload plans and results, and to propose the co-design and co-development of new exploration and experimental capabilities leveraging the planned and/or soon-to-be-developed lunar, Mars, and/or asteroidal infrastructure to maximize scientific return.
B3.3 Life Sciences for Habitability in Deep Space, Moon and Mars
MSO/DO(s): Elena Fomina (State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation Institute of Biomedical Problems of Russian Academy of Sciences-RAS, Russia), Bernard H. Foing (Leiden Observatory, Space Renaissance International, Netherlands)
Organizing Committee: Olga Bannova (Cullen College of Engineering, USA), Bernard Foing (Lunex EuroMoonMars EuroSpaceHub, Netherlands), Lev Zeleny (Space Research Institute of the RAS, Russia)
Event Information: Plans for human exploration and habitation on the moon are becoming a close reality now and humanity expect from scientists offering scientifically-proven methods for development of life support technologies. A comprehensive risk assessment of future lunar exploration missions during extended crew presence on the surface and long-term consequences of such missions – are critical tasks to be investigated during mission planning and design development. The criticality and complexity of such tasks require multi- and inter-disciplinary strategies that allow unfolding the entire range of physical factors affecting people under lunar conditions and propose an adequate protection means against negative effects of lunar environment. This session aims to discuss the effects on human body of radiation, lunar dust, altered magnetic field and hypogravity conditions. Interdisciplinary approach will allow to systematically comprehend development of life support systems in the context of the habitat architecture and lunar base infrastructure. Physicists, biologists, engineers, architects and physicians are invited to participate in the session.
B4.1 Comparative Planetology of the Inner Solar System
MSO/DO(s): Paul Byrne (Washington University in Saint Louis, USA), Varun Sheel (PRL, Ahmedabad, India)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: We can only truly comprehend the fundamental processes and properties of Solar System planetary
bodies by studying the similarities and differences between them. Comparative analyses of planetary interiors, surfaces, atmospheres, and magnetospheres through remote sensing, sample analysis, laboratory and computer modelling, fieldwork, etc. are required to place our current understanding of individual worlds, including Earth, into a common framework. This session solicits presentations of comparative planetary analyses involving two or more bodies of the inner Solar System and consequences for Exoplanet research. This session is being organized in cooperation with COSPAR scientific subcommissions B6 and A1.
B4.2 Mercury Science and Exploration
MSO/DO(s): Geraint Jones (ESA-ESTEC, Netherlands), Go Murakami (JAXA, Japan)
Organizing Committee:
Event Information: In 2018, the joint ESA/JAXA mission BepiColombo was launched to explore Mercury, the innermost planet in the solar system with many unique features. Understanding the origin, formation, evolution, composition, interior structure, and environment of Mercury plays a key role in understanding the evolution of the terrestrial planets and solar system. NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft (2004-2015) explored this unique planet and provided many insights and surprising findings. MESSENGER also raised many science questions that remain unsolved and will be addressed by the two Mercury orbiters - the Mercury Planetary Orbiter, and the Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter, MMO, also known as Mio. The spacecraft will arrive in orbit around Mercury in late 2026, with their nominal mission beginning in April 2027. During their joint cruise to the planet, the two spacecraft performed six flybys of Mercury. This session welcomes contributions addressing the planet’s origin, formation, geology, surface composition, geodesy, interior structure, exosphere, magnetosphere, gravity, and magnetic fields, based on modelling, laboratory experiments, and observations. The latter can include ground-based, remote-sensing and in situ data, including those obtained during BepiColombo’s flybys, and the missions and instruments used to gather them.
B4.3 Venus Science and Exploration
MSO/DO(s): Lucia Marinangeli (Università G. d’Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, Italy), Patrick J. McGovern (Lunar and Planetary Institute, USA)
Organizing Committee: Yeon Joo Lee, Institute of Basic Science, South Korea
Event Information: This session invites presentations on all aspects of Venus, including its interior, surface, and atmosphere, focusing on recent findings and upcoming Venus missions. We welcome diverse approaches, such as theoretical studies, laboratory experiments, numerical model calculations, revisiting past data, and new ground/space-based measurements, to help better characterize Venus.
Studies on terrestrial analogues to Venus both as field campaigns to better understand the performance of the instruments on-board future missions as well as sample collections to be tested in lab under Venus-like conditions are encouraged to be presented.
Topics on Venus as an exoplanet analogue by comparing models validated and constrained using Venus spectral data from orbiter and in situ to better understand observable planets under similar insolation level and their habitability potential are also welcome.
The ultimate goal of the session is to promote international discussion opportunities to understand ongoing efforts toward solving significant scientific questions about Venus, along with current, confirmed and planned Venus space missions.
Organizing Committee: Elliot Sefton-Nash (European Space Agency/ESTEC, The Netherlands), Varun Sheel (PRL, Dept. of Space, India)
Event Information: Our collective knowledge of Mars’ evolution, and the present state and dynamics, of its atmosphere, surface and interior, is based principally on the wealth of observations made by science instruments aboard orbiters, landers and rovers.
This session will address new science resulting from data returned from completed and current missions, including studies that are reliant on theory, modelling, laboratory analyses, and terrestrial analogue work. This session will include a combination of solicited and contributed presentations, with a focus on international diversity.
B4.5 Exploration of Mars
MSO/DO(s): Brandi Carrier (Jet Propulsion Laboratory-JPL, California Institute of Technology-Caltech, USA), Brian Glass (NASA Ames Research Center-ARC, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Mars continues to be a compelling planetary exploration target despite, or perhaps even because of, the large number of prior and ongoing missions. The findings of each mission are typically met with an equal or greater number of questions raised to be answered by future missions. This session focuses on forward planning for the exploration of Mars including:
(1) future hypothesis-driven or discovery-driven science instruments or missions, (2) Mars Sample Return, (3) precursors to prepare future human missions, (4) Science that can be carried out by human explorers on Mars.
Topics of interest include the primary scientific drivers that require future missions to Mars (either robotic or human), recent developments in our engineering and technological capabilities related to missions to Mars, an updated understanding of current mission concepts, planning related to Mars Sample Return science, and candidate instrumentation for future missions. The session will consist of a mixture of solicited and contributed presentations. The program will be developed with a special regard to achieving international representation.
B5.1 Jupiter, the Galilean Satellites, Rings, and Magnetosphere: Juno Results and JUICE/Europa Clipper Plans
MSO/DO(s): Scott Bolton (Southwest Research Institute—SwRI, USA), Olivier Witasse (ESA/ESTEC, Netherlands)
Organizing Committee: Michel Blanc (IRAP, France), Paul Hartogh (MPI, Germany), Anton Ermakov (Stanford University, USA)
Event Information: Since arriving in orbit in 2016, Juno has dramatically increased our understanding of Jupiter’s atmosphere, magnetosphere, interior, and origin. Now in its extended mission since 2021, Juno has transformed into a full system explorer of the Jovian system, conducting close and distant flybys of Io, Europa, and Ganymede along with observations of Jupiter’s ring system. As the extended mission continues, a second extended mission is anticipated that
takes advantage of the continuing evolution of Juno’s orbit to unveil mysteries of the Jupiter’s inner moons, rings, radiation belts, deep interior, aurora and outer magnetospheric boundaries, and the northern pole of the planet. As Juno continues to explore the Jovian system, JUICE and Europa Clipper are enroute to the system. This session invites contributions from the science community related to results from Juno, Earth-based observations of the Jovian system, modeling of Jupiter, its moons, magnetosphere, aurora, rings, and the comparison to other giant planets (including exoplanets).
B6.1 Exoplanet Detection and Characterisation: Current Research, Future Opportunities and the Search for Life outside the Solar System
Event Information: Exoplanet searches using ground- and space-based facilities have revealed a remarkable variety in observed exoplanetary systems. It is clear by now that planetary systems are commonly found in low- and intermediate mass stars. In order to understand the observed diversity in planetary systems we begin to link their architecture to the properties of planet forming disks around young stars, and to trace the present-day properties of exoplanets (mass, radius, chemical composition, atmosphere) to their formation history and evolution to mature planetary systems. Such studies are important to understand which planets in which planetary systems have properties that would support the emergence of life as we know it. The increasing accuracy of mass and radii determinations provides improved constraints on the composition and interior structure of rocky exoplanets. Spectra of increasing quality and resolution, especially from JWST, enable us to investigate exoplanet rotation, atmospheric chemical composition, the presence of clouds and day to night side differences of large samples of exoplanets, and to begin to study important biomarkers. These more detailed observations anticipated in the coming years, especially from space missions, require more sophisticated modelling efforts, including understanding potential abiotic origins of biomarkers and evolutionary models of processes such as atmospheric escape. These developments allow an increasingly more quantitative comparison to the properties and formation history of the solar system planets.
This COSPAR event aims to bring together the planetary and exoplanetary community to discuss exoplanets in context, and address results of ongoing space missions and future opportunities.
C0.1 International Standards for Space Environment
MSO/DO(s): Yukihito Kitazawa (JAXA, Japan), Vladimir Kalegaev (Lomonosov Moscow State University, SINP, Russia)
Organizing Committee: Dieter Bilitza, Alexi Glover, Tamara Gulyaeva, Mamoru Ishii, Yugo Kimoto, David Rees, W. Kent Tobiska, Dedong Wang
Event Information: Scientific knowledge and scientific results underlie human activity, which is associated with the development of common, standard approaches to various work processes. Working group 4 (WG4 – “Space Environment”) of Sub-committee 14 (SC14- “Space systems and operations”)of Technical Committee 20 (TC20/SC14) of ISO (International Standards Organization) develops international standards related to space environment. These standards describe the context, physical basis, application, and impacts of space environment on space- and groundsupport systems. Over 25 ISO space environment standards have been developed since 1992 by WG4. C0.1 session of COSPAR-2026 Assembly invites participants from scientific and engineering communities to discuss the approaches that support the development and/or improvement of current and future ISO standards on space environment.
Standardization makes it possible to use the results of scientific research in human industrial activities. International standards allow to approach the common understanding on physical phenomena in space between scientists and engineers. On the other hand, standards on space environment require scientific reliability. COSPAR is an official liaison for ISO/TC20/SC14 (Space systems and operations), and the reliability of the ISO standards can be guaranteed by their review from scientists from COSPAR community.
In this session, we will give the review of existing and discuss the future of international standardization in the field of space environment, and how to contribute to society by utilizing these standards. We will also broadly discuss the new ideas on topics of space environment research that can be proposed as the base of international standards in the future. This session is an interdisciplinary/cross-disciplinary session, and we welcome participation from all fields covered by COSPAR.
We welcome the participation of scientists who are interested in the implementing of the results of scientific research in society, scientists who want to use their own research to benefit society, scientists who are interested in standardization, and many scientists, young researchers, and students who participate in COSPAR.
C0.2 Advances in Remote Sensing of the Middle and Upper Atmospheres and Ionosphere from the Ground and from Space, including Sounding Rockets, Novel Radar and Multi-instrument Studies
MSO/DO(s): David Rees (The Paradigm Factor Ltd., UK), Michael Kosch (Lancaster University, UK)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: The Meeting will provide a forum for the presentation and discussion of novel instruments for exploring the Middle and Upper Atmospheres and Ionospheres of the Earth and Planets by in-situ and remote sensing techniques deployed from space platforms and ground- based facilities and instruments. Papers describing are encouraged. Reports on recent science achievements as well as technological development of the instrument capabilities across disciplines are encouraged. Contributions describing coordinated Space and Ground-based observations, the implementation of new measurement techniques, multi-instrumental studies and data interpretation are also encouraged.
C0.3 Sub-ionospheric Very Low Frequency / Low Frequency Signal Propagation Effects Coupled with Numerical Techniques: a Low-cost Tool for Investigating Space Weather and Terrestrial Impacts on Lower Ionosphere
MSO/DO(s): Tamal Basak (Indian Centre for Space Physics, India), Victor U.J. Nwankwo (Anchor University, Nigeria)
Organizing Committee: Sandip K. Chakrabarti (Indian Center for Space Physics, India), Yasuhide Hobara (The University of Electro-Communication, Japan), Jean-Pierre Raulin (Mackenzie Presbyterian University, Brazil), Subrata K. Midya (University of Calcutta, India), Sourav Palit (Indian Center for Space Physics, India)
Event Information: Monitoring sub-ionospheric VLF/LF (Very Low Frequency/Low Frequency) signals, in conjunction with numerical modeling, offers a cost-effective and powerful approach for investigating ionospheric responses to space weather and terrestrial energetic events. This session serves as a platform to present and discuss advancements in numerical techniques that are integrated with VLF/LF observations during disturbances in the lower ionosphere. A key focus of this session is the integration of numerical simulations with machine learning (ML) methodologies, particularly
those trained on long-term datasets comprising ionospheric parameters, VLF data, and solar activity indices. Such integration aims to develop more robust and predictive ionospheric models. We invite contributions exploring the various sources of ionospheric perturbations, including:
• Solar flares
• Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and terrestrial gamma-ray flashes (TGFs)
• Solar eclipses
• Lithosphere-ionosphere coupling mechanisms
• Geomagnetic disturbances
• Lightning-induced effects
We particularly welcome studies based on VLF observations and ionospheric modeling related to the Solar Cycle-25, Total Solar Eclipse over the USA on 8 April 2024, and the Annular Solar Eclipse across Latin America and the Pacific region on 2 October 2024 etc.
C1.1 Recent Advances in Equatorial, Low- and Mid-Latitude Mesosphere, Thermosphere, and Ionosphere Studies
MSO/DO(s): Paulo Roberto Fagundes (Universidade do Vale do Paraiba, Brazil), Venkatesh Kavutarapu (PRL, Ahmedabad, India)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Dynamic processes taking place in the mesosphere, lower thermosphere and ionosphere are always intriguing to the scientific community. Ever increasing ground and space based experiments are providing large database on the MLT region, and opening up new avenues to employ advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques to understand and simulate various physical processes taking place in these regions. Papers are invited for a session on the recent advances in the field of the equatorial, low- and mid-latitude mesosphere, thermosphere, and ionosphere from observational (ground-based and space-borne), theoretical and simulation studies. Contributions related to all aspects of these areas are welcome. Topics include but not limited to: MLT region; the response of the thermosphere-ionosphere system to forcing from above and below; equatorial electrodynamic processes; coupling between mid-, low- and equatorial latitude regions; space weather events (especially the May 2024 event); magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling; Ionospheric response to SSW; ionospheric irregularities and scintillations; latitudinal and/or longitudinal variability; ionosphere F-layer stratification; data- assimilation studies; modelling through AI/ML; advanced space and ground-based experiments, tomography. The session will include both solicited and contributed (oral and poster) papers.
Organizing Committee: Alessio Pignalberi (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Italy); Simone Di Matteo (Catholic University of America, and NASA-GSFC, USA); Fabio Lepreti (Università della Calabria, Italy)
Event Information: The dynamic coupling between the Magnetosphere, Ionosphere, and Thermosphere (MIT) plays a crucial role in controlling the energy and momentum transfer processes that shape the near-Earth environment. Understanding the physical mechanisms of MIT coupling is therefore essential for a comprehensive description of the space weather conditions of this complex dynamic system. This session invites contributions that advance our
understanding of the complex interactions across these regions including, but not limited to, particle precipitation, field-aligned currents, ion-neutral coupling, Joule heating, and electrodynamic feedback mechanisms. We welcome both observational, theoretical, and modelling studies that explore both steady-state and transient phenomena—such as substorms, geomagnetic storms, and auroral processes—from global to kinetic scales. Studies that integrate multiinstrument data, satellite constellations, or ground-based networks are especially encouraged. This session aims to foster interdisciplinary discussion and highlight recent advances in unraveling the complex and dynamic nature of MIT coupling in the context of space weather.
C1.3 Space Weather and Earth’s Atmosphere - Ionosphere
MSO/DO(s): Nicholas Pedatella (High Altitude Observatory, NCAR, USA), Loren Chang (National Central University, China: Academy of Sciences Located in Taipei)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: The space weather of the Earth’s middle and upper atmospheres is characterized by variability across a range of spatial and temporal scales. The variability encompasses spatial scales from meters to global scale variations, and minute to decadal time scales. Such a range of scales makes predicting the variability of the middle and upper atmosphere challenging. This session solicits presentations focused on the application of numerical models and observations to characterize and understand middle and upper atmosphere variability, with the ultimate goal of improving the predictability of this region. Topics of particular interest include the response of the ionospherethermosphere to forcing from above and below, the effect of atmospheric waves and composition changes on the middleupper atmosphere, improved specifications of solar and magnetospheric forcing of the middle-upper atmosphere, and the chemical and dynamical response of the middle atmosphere to solar and magnetospheric forcing.
C1.4 Observation and Modeling of the Characteristics, Causes and Effects of Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances and Thermospheric Gravity Waves
MSO/DO(s): Jeff Klenzing (Goddard Space Flight Center—GSFC, USA), Kate Zawdie (Naval Research Laboratory, USA)
Organizing Committee: Elvira Astafyeva, (Université Paris Cité, Institut de physique du Globe de Paris, France), V. Lakshmi Narayanan, (Krea University, India), Chao Xiong, (Wuhan University, China)
Event Information: This session will focus on the identification and source differentiation of traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) and traveling atmospheric disturbances (TADs, which are thermospheric gravity waves). TIDs are frequently observed in the ionosphere at all latitudes and longitudes while TAD observations are relatively scarce. TIDs/ TADs can be driven by solar and magnetospheric disturbances as well as lower atmospheric and surface forcing, including tropospheric weather events), earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, explosions, and spacecraft launches. TIDs/ TADs generated from different types of sources may exhibit similar or very different characteristics in their spatial and temporal scales, periodicities, propagation speeds and directions. TIDs/TADs generated from the same type of sources may exhibit different characteristics depending on the local conditions. It remains a challenge to distinguish different types of sources from observed characteristics. We solicit theoretical, observational, and modeling contributions on better understanding of the origins, generation mechanisms, and characteristics of TIDs/TADs.
C1.5 Solar Flares and their Impact on the Atmospheres of Earth and Mars
MSO/DO(s): Susanna Bekker (Queen’s University Belfast, UK), Louise K. Harra (PMOD/WRC, Switzerland)
Organizing Committee: Stefan Brönnimann (University of Bern, Switzerland) Matthieu Kretzschmar (University of Orléans, France), Ryan Milligan (Queen’s University Belfast, UK), Ilya Ryakhovsky (Sadovsky Institute of Geosphere Dynamics RAS, Russia), Edward Thiemann (University of Colorado Boulder, USA), Kyoko Watanabe (National Defense Academy of Japan, Japan)
Event Information: The influence of solar flares on the Earth’s ionosphere and their possible effect on space weather, communication, and navigation systems remains an outstanding issue in solar-terrestrial physics. Solar flares result in a broadband enhancement to the Sun’s radiative output, from both spectral lines and continua. This sudden increase in solar irradiance causes dynamical and compositional changes in the entire dayside ionosphere. This interdisciplinary session brings together the physics of solar flares, modellers of planetary ionospheres/ atmospheres, and specialists in observations of the dynamics of ionospheric parameters (on both Earth and Mars) caused by solar flares. The session will discuss the driving mechanisms behind changes in solar irradiance and the subsequent geophysical response to deepen our understanding of the solar-terrestrial relationship. We will also discuss this in the context of future solar missions such as Solar-C.
C2.1 Gravity Waves and Turbulence in the Middle Atmosphere and Lower Ionosphere
MSO/DO(s): Boris Strelnikov (Leibniz-Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP), Germany), Corwin Wright (University of Bath, UK)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Gravity waves and turbulence have long been recognized as integral to our understanding of the neutral middle atmosphere and ionosphere. However, important questions still remain regarding gravity wave generation and propagation; instabilities and wave breaking, secondary wave generation, energy transfer to turbulence, coupling between atmospheric layers, and other topics. This session is intended to bring together experts working on related topics in the middle atmosphere. Presentations of theoretical, modelling, experimental and observational work on gravity waves or turbulence in the middle atmosphere and ionosphere are welcome.
C2.2 Layered Phenomena in the Middle Atmosphere
MSO/DO(s): Robin Wing (Leibniz-Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Germany), Michael Gerding (Leibniz IAP), Germany)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Physical and chemical processes in the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere (MLT) give rise to a variety of layered structures. These include layers can be formed by meteoric metals and space debris, ice-related features such as noctilucent clouds (NLC), as well as radar phenomena like Polar Mesosphere Summer Echoes (PMSE) and Winter Echoes (PMWE). Additionally, layered features may be dynamically driven, such as mesospheric inversion layers and turbulent layers, which provide valuable insight into the physics, chemistry, and dynamics of the MLT. These layers serve as tracers of atmospheric dynamics, revealing coupling processes between atmospheric regions on timescales ranging from seconds to decades. Recently, metal layers have attracted attention as indicators of
anthropogenic pollution in the middle atmosphere, particularly from the ablation of reentering space debris. This session invites contributions on a broad range of topics, including middle atmosphere dynamics, long-term trends, solar cycle influences, vertical coupling processes, and the impact of human activity on MLT composition.
C3.1 Planetary Atmospheres
MSO/DO(s): Hilary L. Justh (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center-MSFC, USA), Larry W. Esposito (University of Colorado, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: This session is focused on the planetary atmospheres of the inner and outer planets and their moons. Presentations of results from recent and ongoing planetary missions, ground-based observations, modeling, and theoretical studies are welcomed. Solicited talks, contributed presentations, and posters will be included in this session which encompasses all solar system bodies except the Earth.
C3.2 Planetary Upper Atmospheres, Ionospheres and Magnetospheres
MSO/DO(s): Syed A. Haider (PRL, Ahmedabad, India), Dimitra Atri (New York University Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)
Organizing Committee: Gina A. DiBraccio (NASA GSFC, USA), Stephen Bougher (University of Michigan, USA), Anil Bhardwaj (PRL, India) and Randy Gladstone (Southwest Research Institute-SwRI, USA)
Event Information: The amount of data on planetary atmospheres has grown considerably on Mars with the launch of various missions like Mariners, Vikings, MGS, MEX, MRO, MAVEN, EMM and TGO. The objective of this session is to discuss past, present and future planetary explorations, data analysis and modelling studies of planetary atmospheres, ionospheres, and magnetospheres except the Earth. The planetary data sets are freely accessible from Planetary Data System (PDS). Future atmospheric missions like MMX, Shukrayaan, Mangalyaan-2, JUICE, Europa Clipper, EnVision, Davinci, VERITAS are either on their way or planned to explore Mars, Venus, Jupiter and Europa. BebiColombo will arrive soon at Mercury. The discussions on these missions are welcome. The comparative studies of the upper atmosphere, ionospheres and magnetospheres of inner and outer planets are also encouraged. Both solicited talks and contributed presentations are welcome in this event.
C3.3 Effect of Space Weather and Dust on Planetary Ionospheres and Atmospheres
MSO/DO(s): Varun Sheel (PRL, Ahmedabad, India)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: This session explores the dynamic interactions between space weather phenomena and atmospheric processes across the solar system, with a special focus on the role of dust and ionized environments. Space weather— including solar wind, CMEs, and energetic particle events—plays a significant role in shaping the ionospheres and upper atmospheres of both magnetized and unmagnetized planetary bodies. Additionally, dust particles—from surface lofting, meteoroid impacts, or volcanic and ring sources—interact with electromagnetic fields and plasma, contributing to the formation of dusty plasmas and affecting atmospheric chemistry, ionization, and escape processes.
We invite contributions that address observational, theoretical, and modeling studies related to:
• Variability of planetary ionospheres under changing solar and space weather conditions
• Atmospheric heating, ionospheric disturbances, and escape driven by solar radiation and particle precipitation
• Effects of dust storms, meteoroid influx, and charged dust on planetary ionospheres and atmospheres
• Dusty plasma environments and their role in altering wave propagation, instabilities, and energy transport
This session encourages interdisciplinary contributions from planetary science, heliophysics, atmospheric modeling, and plasma physics communities, as well as insights from recent and ongoing missions.
C4.1 Improving the Accurate Description of Ionospheric Variability with IRI
MSO/DO(s): Dieter Bilitza (George Mason University, VA and NASA, GSFC, USA), Michael Pezzopane (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Italy)
Organizing Committee: Vladimir Truhlik (Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic), Shigeto Watanabe (Hokkaido University, Japan), Andrzej Krankowski (University of Warmia and Mazury, Poland), Young-Sil Kwak (Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, South Korea)
Event Information: The International Reference Ionosphere is the international standard for the specification of the ionospheric environment and is recognized as such by COSPAR, URSI, and ISO. IRI describes the electron and ion densities and temperatures, the ion drift, total electron content and the occurrence probabilities of spread-F. This session invites presentations that discuss improvements of the current version of IRI, comparisons with data and other models, new inputs for expanding the model, and reports on usage of IRI for science, engineering, education and other applications. We particularly welcome presentations on studies that use data assimilation and to bring IRI up to real-time conditions.
C4.2 Development of First-Principles and Empirical Models Related to the COSPAR International Reference Atmosphere
MSO/DO(s): Sean Bruinsma (Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales, France), Marcin Pilinski (LASP/University of Colorado, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: This event will consider the development and assessment of atmospheric models, both first-principles and empirical, for the COSPAR International Reference Atmosphere (CIRA). This session solicits presentations on recent advances in thermosphere, coupled upper atmosphere, and Whole Atmosphere Modeling and recommendations for future research and development, especially in the context of addressing satellite drag. Talks related to issues of applying first-principles models, or reduced-order models, to operational problems are welcomed. Descriptions of models with the potential of future operational transition are especially encouraged. Model construction and validation is limited by the availability of data. Description of the (re)processing of old and new data, i.e. neutral density, composition, and temperature measurements, for use in upper atmosphere model construction/validation will also be discussed, including the model drivers (e.g., F10.7, F30, Kp, Hp, Dst, etc) and their uncertainty and stability. It also includes nearreal time assimilation efforts and any associated validation of the estimated thermospheric states.
C5.1 Impact of Man on the Space Plasma
Environment
MSO/DO(s): Paul Bernhardt (University of Alaska Fairbanks, USA), Bengt Eliasson (University of Strathclyde, UK)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: The proliferation of space objects in orbit around the Earth is accompanied by wave transmissions and particle injections that can yield both expected and unforeseen disturbances to the upper atmosphere. This session will report on monitoring of rocket launches along with rocket engine burns and on orbit maneuvers, collisions and collision avoidance between space objects, space debris detection and tracking, electromagnetic wave transmissions by high power HF facilities used for ionospheric and radiation belt modification, plus any external forcing for the space-plasma system by international and activities of man. Papers are solicited to report on both experimental and theoretical studies for active experiments with ground, sounding rocket, and satellite sources. Diagnostics of anthropogenic activities in space can employ radar, optical, and in situ probes for observational data. These oral and poster contributions should discuss the significance of these studies for the local or global space environment.
D0.1 Overview Session Scientific Commission D
MSO/DO(s): Nicole Vilmer (Observatoire de Paris, LESIA, France), Jie Zhang (George Mason University, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: In this session the recent developments and highlights of solar magnetospheric and heliospheric science are presented and summarized. The session consists of invited talks exclusively, for each of the Sub-commissions (the heliosphere, transition from the Sun to the heliosphere, and magnetospheres). The session will be scheduled on a single half-day with no other commission D sessions in parallel. Please submit an abstract to this session only when invited by the MSO or the DO.
D1.1 Transport and Acceleration of Energetic Particles in the Heliosphere, the Interstellar Medium, and Astrospheres
MSO/DO(s): Xi Luo (Shandong Institute of Advanced Technology, China: CAS), Agnieszka Gil (University of Siedlce, Poland)
Organizing Committee: Galina Bazilevskaya (Lebedev Physical Institute of RAS, Russia), Marius Potgieter (ChristianAlbrechts University in Kiel, Germany), Ming Zhang (Florida Institute of Technology, USA), Vladimir Mikhailov (National Research Nuclear University, Russia), Zhenning Shen (Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China)
Event Information: The heliosphere and astrospheres, as well as the surrounding local interstellar medium, are filled with several populations of energetic particles such as Galactic cosmic rays, astrospheric (e.g., solar) energetic particles, anomalous cosmic rays, accelerated pickup ions and suprathermal solar/stellar wind energetic particles. They undergo convection, drift and diffusion, by interacting with plasma and magnetic fields with embedded turbulence. These processes are fundamental to energetic particle production and intensity modulation by solar and stellar activities. In some cases, energetic particles play an important dynamic role in the formation of heliospheric structures. Various space-borne and ground-based observations of particle intensity, energy spectrum, anisotropy, elemental, isotopic, and charge composition contain valuable information about the mechanisms of particle acceleration and transport
through the heliosphere. This session brings together experimentalists and theoreticians studying these processes to discuss progress and challenges in understanding the underlying physics of particle acceleration and transport in the heliosphere, various astrospheric environments, and the interstellar medium.
D1.2 Science with Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP)
MSO/DO(s): Du Toit Strauss (North-West University, South Africa), Matina Gkioulidou (JHU APL, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: The Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) spacecraft is slated to be launched in late 2025. IMAP aims to address the following scientific questions:
• Improve understanding of the composition and properties of the local interstellar medium (LISM).
• Advance understanding of the temporal and spatial evolution of the boundary region in which the solar wind and the interstellar medium interact.
• Identify and advance the understanding of processes related to the interactions of the magnetic field of the Sun and the LISM.
• Identify and advance understanding of particle injection and acceleration processes near the Sun, in theheliosphere and heliosheath.
We solicit contributions addressing these scientific questions.
D1.3 Solar Energetic Particle Events throughout the Solar System: Understanding and Forecasting
Organizing Committee: Athanasios Kouloumvakos (APL/JHU, USA), Ian G. Richardson (NASA/GSFC, USA), Nina Dresing (UTU, Finland), Nicolas Wilsen (KU Leuven, Belgium), Kathryn Whitman (NASA/SRAG, USA)
Event Information: Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) events pose significant risks to space weather and human space exploration, necessitating advanced understanding and prediction methods to mitigate their impacts. This session will gather experts to discuss recent advancements in SEP research, covering observations, theoretical modeling, and data analysis. Key topics include the mechanisms behind SEP acceleration and their transport through turbulent solar wind. The session aims to explore new methods for forecasting SEP occurrence, duration, and intensity, and enhancing space weather prediction capabilities. We seek contributions on SEP models and observations, focusing on their initiation by solar events, acceleration, transport, and prediction at Earth and other planets. Discussions will cover particle acceleration mechanisms, modeling in the corona and inner heliosphere, multi-spacecraft observations, and innovative prediction approaches, including physics-based, data-driven, and machine learning techniques. The goal is to foster scientific collaboration to better predict and mitigate SEP events.
D2.1 Off-the-Sun-Earth-Line (OSEL) missions for a 3D view of the Sun and Heliosphere
MSO/DO(s): Nat Gopalswamy (NASA GSFC, USA), Kyung-Suk Cho (Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, University of Science and Technology, South Korea)
Organizing Committee: Robert F. Wimmer-Schweingruber (Kiel University, Germany), S. P. Rajaguru (Indian Institute of Astrophysics, India), Alexei Pevtsov (NSO, USA), Marc Pulupa (University of California, Berkeley, USA), Roksoon Kim (KASO, South Korea), Teresa Nieves-Chinchilla (NASA, USA)
Event Information: Off-the-Sun-Earth-Line (OSEL) observations from vantage points such as Sun-Earth Lagrange points L4 and L5 as well as from a polar orbit can provide information in three-dimensions to understand the magnetic coupling of the solar interior to the heliosphere. These in combination with observations from Sun-Earth line (L1/ ground-based) and in solar polar orbits can provide information missing at the solar poles and hence help us achieve a full 3-D view of the Sun. The unusual attribute of L4 covers the entire solar radiation hemisphere that is relevant for Lunar and Mars Exploration. Solar Orbiter is sampling the off-the ecliptic solar wind and observes the poles. These observations provide vital new information in understanding the 3-D heliosphere. We invite papers related to OSEL mission ideas, anticipated benefits to heliophysics investigations, and observational results from past/current missions such as STEREO, SOHO, SDO, Parker Solar Probe, and Solar Orbiter.
D2.2 Heliophysics Multi-Messenger Era: from Exploration to Paradigm Shifting Discoveries
MSO/DO(s): Nour E. Raouafi (JHU APL, USA), Louise K. Harra (PMOD/WRC, Switzerland)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Heliophysics is entering a transformative multi-messenger era, redefining our understanding of the Sun and its vast influence on the heliosphere. A new generation of missions and observatories—Parker Solar Probe, Solar Orbiter, Aditya-L1, CHASE, and DKIST—are venturing closer to the Sun and observing it with unprecedented clarity, unraveling long-standing mysteries of coronal and solar wind heating, magnetic reconnection, flares, CMEs, energetic particles, and space weather. These groundbreaking datasets are captivating the scientific community and the public alike, fueling a surge of discovery and global collaboration. With PSP’s daring plunge toward the solar corona on 24 December 2024 and Solar Orbiter’s ascent toward higher solar latitudes, we stand at the brink of paradigmshifting breakthroughs. This session will bring together the international heliophysics community to showcase recent discoveries, harness synergies across missions and disciplines, and chart the path forward as we enter the declining phase of Solar Cycle 25.
D2.3 Magneto-plasma Structures, Streams and Flows in the Heliosphere
MSO/DO(s): Olga Khabarova (Tel Aviv University, Israel), Olga Malandraki (IAASARS, National Observatory of Athens, Greece)
Organizing Committee: Lan Jian (NASA GSFC, USA), Jörg Büchner (Max-Planck-Institute for Solar System Research, Germany), Georgios Nicolaou (UCL Department of Space and Climate Physics, UK), Luca Franci (Imperial College London, UK)
Event Information: The heliosphere contains various structures both originated from the Sun and formed directly in the solar wind. A common feature of magneto-plasma objects is their contribution to the nonlinear energy cascade and the ability to produce other structures, leading to the development of dynamical processes that make the solar wind an inhomogeneous medium in which turbulence and intermittency coexist with structuring and regularity.
Streams, flows, shocks, current sheets and magnetic islands/flux ropes are important sources of particle acceleration and sites of magnetic reconnection. These structures can also be geoeffective and cause hazardous space weather effects.
We invite space physicists to share their recent results in studying
• interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) and their solar sources;
• corotating/stream interaction regions (CIRs/SIRs) and coronal holes;
• current sheets of various origins, including the heliospheric current sheet (HCS);
• flux ropes/plasmoids/blobs/magnetic islands;
• magnetic holes, discontinuities, compressive plasma fluctuations, and boundaries of plasma structures;
• interplanetary and bow shocks, and related processes.
Contributions discussing theoretical aspects, modeling and observations are welcome.
D2.4 Magnetic Reconnection in a Turbulent Plasma from the Sun to the Heliosphere
MSO/DO(s): Samuel Totorica (National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Japan, Princeton University, USA), Shinsuke Imada (The University of Tokyo, Japan)
Organizing Committee: Fan Guo (Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA) Daniela Grasso (Politecnico di Torino, Italy)
Event Information: Magnetic reconnection is a fundamental mechanism for energy release throughout the Universe. It is observed directly or indirectly throughout the heliosphere and beyond, in situ in planetary magnetospheres, as well as in controlled laboratory experiments. Key areas of current research include the complex and still poorly understood relationship between reconnection and turbulence, as well as the challenge of bridging kinetic-scale processes with large-scale fluid behavior. Many ongoing and planned space missions, such as MMS and the Plasma Observatory in the Earth’s magnetosphere, the Parker Solar Probe, the Solar Orbiter, HelioSwarm and Solar C, are dedicated to its study. In addition, new laboratory experiments and large-scale numerical simulations are being carried out to better understand the physics of reconnection. This session invites presentations of new observational and experimental data, supported by numerical simulations, with emphasis on the verification of reconnection models in laboratory settings and the extrapolation of reconnection physics to stellar, interstellar, galactic, and intergalactic plasmas.
D2.5 Stellar Forcing of Planetary and Exoplanetary Space Environments
MSO/DO(s): Dibyendu Nandi (Center of Excellence in Space Sciences India, IISER Kolkata, India), Alessandro Bemporad (INAF-Torino Astronomical Observatory, Italy)
Organizing Committee: Christina Plainaki (Italian Space Agency—ASI, Italy), Nat Gopalswamy (NASA GSFC, USA), Shyama Narendranath (ISRO, India), Vladimir Airapetian (NASA GSFC, USA), Bhargav Vaidya (Indian Institute of Technology Indore, India)
Event Information: The Sun and other magnetically active stars influence their space environments through variable radiative and energetic particle fluxes, plasma wind outflow, stellar flares and coronal mass ejections. These dynamic phenomena impact the state of the heliosphere and astrospheres where (exo)planets reside. Studies of the origin of stellar activity, their heliospheric manifestation, and their impact have matured in the solar system – particularly in the context of planetary bodies such as Venus, Earth, Mars and Moon. At the same time, we are witnessing pioneering studies in understanding star-planet interactions and its role in shaping atmospheric evolution and habitability conditions in exoplanetary systems. In the context of ambitious plans for planetary exploration on the one hand, and rapid advances in space-based exoplanetary studies on the other, this session aims to catalyze interdisciplinary exchanges across these diverse domains which share common physical foundations.
D2.6 The Multifaceted Solar Wind: From its Origins on the Sun to Earth
MSO/DO(s): Vincenzo Andretta (INAF Osservatorio Astronomico di Capodimonte, Italy), Stephan G Heinemann (University of Helsinki, Finland)
Organizing Committee: Anna Tenerani (The University of Texas at Austin, USA), Stefan Hofmeister (Columbia University, USA), Maria Madjarska (Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, Germany – Space Research and Technology Institute, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria), Durgesh Tripathi (IUCAA, India), Marco Velli (Earth, Planetary and Space Sciences, UCLA, USA)
Event Information: Missions such as the Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter - complemented by ground- and spacebased facilities — are giving researchers unprecedented access to data that are reshaping our view of the solar corona and wind. Insights coming from these data, combined with theoretical and modelling advances, are fostering new paradigms through close collaborations between scientists analyzing remote-sensing and in-situ observations, and modellers.
We welcome submissions that address key topics, including the origin, acceleration, and evolution of the solar wind; the complex interactions and structures arising from fast and slow wind streams; and the impact of solar wind dynamics on space weather. The session particularly encourages studies that leverage a holistic approach, integrating remotesensing techniques of the nascent solar wind, in situ measurements in the inner heliosphere, and advanced theoretical and numerical models to explore the solar wind’s role in solar and heliospheric physics.
D3.1 Highlights of Magnetospheric Plasma Physics
MSO/DO(s): Katariina Nykyri (NASA GSFC/Heliophysics Science Div., USA), Lev Zelenyi (Space Research Institute (IKI), RAS, Russia)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Our capabilities to study the magnetosphere and various magnetospheric processes in all their complexity are experiencing a gigantic growth. Numerous spacecraft and multi satellite missions provide unprecedented volume of high quality data. Advances in the development of numerical codes and available computer resources allow comprehensive simulations of the global evolution of the magnetosphere that involves a enormous number of dynamical processes operating at various spatial and temporal scales. In addition to the traditional triad of theory, spacecraft observations, laboratory plasma experiments and simulations, machine learning is now widely applied to the various problems of magnetospheric physics enhancing our ability to extract important information from vast amounts of available data. We are anticipating both novel constellation missions (e.g., LINKS, Plasma Observatory) and imaging missions such as SMILE that will enable remote observations of global magnetospheric dynamics by simultaneous observations of the solar wind and the response of Earth’s magnetosphere. This symposium is aimed to assess key recent developments in the physics of the magnetosphere and solar wind processes impacting solar wind-magnetosphere coupling, to review unsolved problems that impede the progress and expectations from future missions.
D3.2 Cross-scale Coupling and Multi-point Observations in the Solar Wind and Geospace
MSO/DO(s): Bea Gallardo-Lacourt (Catholic University of America, NASA/GSFC, USA), Simone Landi (Università degli Studi Firenze, Italy), Marina Stepanova (Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Chile)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Understanding energy transfer and acceleration processes across different scales—micro, meso, and macro—is one of the central challenges in geospace science. In recent years, significant progress has been made in identifying the physical mechanisms that govern the transport and circulation of solar wind energy and plasma through the magnetosphere-ionosphere system.
Magnetic reconnection remains one of the primary processes enabling plasma entry at the magnetopause and energy release in the magnetotail during substorms. While the microphysics of reconnection occurs in ion and electron diffusion regions, its consequences are global, altering the large-scale configuration and dynamics of the magnetosphere. Additionally, external boundary conditions that influence reconnection are affected by processes such as plasma instabilities, turbulent transport, high-speed jets, and the formation of thin current sheets.
This session invites studies that explore cross-scale coupling and multi-point investigations of the solar wind–magnetosphere–ionosphere system. We particularly welcome contributions that integrate observations from multispacecraft missions, as well as ground-based networks, to address outstanding questions in solar wind coupling, and the dynamics of the solar wind–bow shock–magnetosheath–magnetosphere–ionosphere system. We also encourage submissions on future mission concepts designed to probe these interconnected regions and processes.
D3.3 Wave Particle Interactions and Non-thermal Distributions
MSO/DO(s): Ioannis Kourakis (Khalifa University of Science and Technology, United Arab Emirates), Amar Kakad (Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, India)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Wave-particle interaction refers to the disturbance of particle trajectories by electric and magnetic forces associated with waves, resulting in diffusive motion and energy exchange between particles and waves. Such interactions occur commonly in space plasmas, for example, in solar and stellar coronas, or due to solar wind interactions with planetary magnetospheres. The resulting particle acceleration can lead to non-thermal distributions, typically featuring a long-tailed profile which deviates from the typical Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. Non-thermal distributions can significantly impact various plasma phenomena, including altering the propagation characteristics of collective excitations (waves), of nonlinear coherent structures (electrostatic solitary waves) and associated instabilities, in addition to resonant or non-resonant wave-particle interactions affecting particle acceleration and plasma heating. This session solicits papers on nonthermal distributions and their role in wave dynamical processes in planetary magnetospheres, solar/stellar coronas, solar wind, and astrophysical plasma environments, based on observations, modelling, theory and simulations, or a blend thereof.
D3.4 Particle Transport, Acceleration, and Loss in the Earth’s Magnetosphere
MSO/DO(s): Maria Usanova (University of Colorado, USA), Dedong Wang (German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Since the discovery of Earth’s radiation belts, understanding the dynamics of the Earth’s magnetosphere has remained a central focus of space physics research. Recent observations from missions such as ARASE, MMS, the
Van Allen Probes, Cluster, Double Star, THEMIS, NOAA POES, GOES, ELFIN have provided a wealth of valuable data on particle dynamics. Complementing these observations, advanced modeling efforts, including test-particle, diffusion, and fully kinetic simulations, play a critical role in interpreting data and revealing the underlying physical processes. In this session, we welcome modeling and observational contributions that enhance our understanding of particle transport, acceleration, and loss in the Earth’s magnetosphere.
D3.5 Mesoscale Phenomena Affecting Storm and Substorm Dynamics
MSO/DO(s): Larry Kepko (NASA GSFC, USA), Elena Grigorenko (IKI, RAS, Russia)
Organizing Committee: Larry Kepko (NASA GSFC, USA), Elena Grigorenko (IKI, RAS, Russia)
Event Information: Major outstanding questions remain concerning the magnetospheric storm and substorm responses to solar and solar wind driving. Central to these mysteries is how the different magnetospheric regions couple with and respond to dynamics occurring within other regions, and in particular the spatial structuring and temporal evolution of that coupling and response. The questions range from global energy budget and energy partitioning, starting from the solar wind and neutral atmospheric drivers, to the way energy is divided up, converted, and transported among each system within the greater system. The primary ‘messengers’ of these dynamical changes across systems and across scales are plasma waves, particle motions, and mesoscale structures. Mesoscale structures, such as Bursty Bulk Flows (BBFs) and Flux Transfer Events (FTEs), are particularly important for cross-scale and cross-system coupling. For example, the energization of both the ring current and the radiation belts is thought to depend on the spatial extent and temporal evolution of magnetotail flow bursts. Another example is the recently proposed direct link between magnetopause reconnection events and subsequent tail reconnection and magnetospheric substorms. Even reconnection at the dayside magnetopause may be subject to mesoscale structures created at the bow shock, invisible to L1 solar wind monitors. Additional complexities arise from “emergent behavior”, which often leads to emergent length scales. Reconnection, which occurs on electron kinetic scales but yields reproducible mesoscales of 1-3 RE – FTEs and BBFs, e.g. – is one magnetospheric example. In this session, we invite papers addressing the role of mesoscale phenomena on the growth, evolution, and characteristic behavior of geomagnetic storms and substorms. Talks spanning all areas of geospace and from different approaches (numerical, theoretical, and ground- and space-based observations) are encouraged.
D3.6 Comparative Magnetospheres
MSO/DO(s): Ian Cohen (JHU APL, USA), Tom Stallard (University of Leicester, UK)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: The diverse worlds within the solar system provide crucial environmental conditions that are not replicated at Earth but can provide deep insight into fundamental space plasma physics processes. One of the best ways to learn about our world and where it resides on the planetary spectrum is to study the diversity of magnetospheric and atmospheric systems and processes that exist on our neighboring worlds. The diverse planetary systems within our solar system and beyond provide crucial data points that can provide deep insight into the fundamental physics that govern our local Heliophysics environment. Before we can claim to have a complete physics-based understanding of magnetospheric interactions with the Sun, we first need to test our understanding in nearby planetary systems beyond Earth.
Potential compelling space physics objectives across the solar system include exploring the induced magnetosphere of Venus to determine how small rocky bodies without internal magnetic fields interact with their host star; flying into the heart of Jupiter’s intense radiation belts to understand the fundamental acceleration processes at play there; exploring the complex and unusual magneto-spheric configurations and dynamics of the Ice Giants, Uranus and Neptune; and comparing and contrasting other magnetospheres to Earth’s and extrapolate to other, more extreme astrophysical and exoplanetary magnetospheres.
The space environments of the worlds in our solar system offer our best opportunity to directly access a natural laboratory where we can study processes that occur throughout the universe. We can learn so much more about the fundamental physical processes in the universe by adding in-situ measurements from additional data points to those of Earth, specifically those that may be more analogous to other astrophysical systems (i.e., with relativistic particle acceleration, very strong and rapidly rotating magnetic fields, synchrotron electromagnetic emissions, natural X-ray sources, etc.).
This session encourages presentations focusing on some of, but not limited to, the following topics of interest across the solar system: solar wind-magnetosphere interactions, plasma-surface interactions, auroral processes and current systems, magnetospheric transport and dynamics, radiation belts and particle acceleration and loss, moonmagnetosphere interactions, and fundamental plasma processes.
D3.7 Plasma Transport across Magnetospheric Boundaries
MSO/DO(s): Gilbert Pi (Charles University, Czech Republic), Jih-Hong Shue (National Central University, China: Academy of Sciences Located in Taipei)
Organizing Committee: Zdenˇek Nˇemeˇcek (Charles University, Czech Republic), David Gray Sibeck (NASA GSFC, USA), Andrey Samsonov (University College London, UK), Jong-Sun Park (Shandong University, China), Dedong Wang (GFZ, Germany), Sun-Hee Lee (NASA GSFC, USA)
Event Information: This session will discuss all aspects of plasma transport across magnetospheric boundaries and related phenomena; e.g., the influence of boundary processes on geo- magnetic activity in a general sense. Magnetic reconnection, Kelvin-Helmholtz instability, and diffusive processes have been identified as the primary physical mechanisms by which energy, momentum, and mass are transported across the magnetopause. However, their relative importance under given conditions is still a matter of debate. In addition to processes occurring at the magnetopause, attention will be devoted to the role of foreshock effects (turbulence, jets, foreshock cavities, energetic particles) on these phenomena, leakage of magnetospheric particles into the magnetosheath, and the role of these processes in relation to the cusps. Contributions dealing with the location of boundaries and the influence of magnetosheath parameter profiles in response to changes in upstream conditions and auroral and/or ground-based observations as related to boundary plasma transport processes are also solicited.
D4.1 Impact of Man on the Space Plasma Environment
E0.1 Scientific Commission E Overview Event
MSO/DO(s): Iossif Papadakis (University of Crete, Greece), Pietro Ubertini (INAF-IAPS, Italy)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: This session is intended as a selection of talks on recent developments and highlights in the topics covered by Commission E. The session consists of two quarter days and will be scheduled in a way not to overlap with any of the other SC-E events. All talks will be solicited, which means that no contributions will be accepted other than by invitation.
E1.1 Origin of Cosmic Rays
MSO/DO(s): Igor Moskalenko (Stanford University, USA), Eun-Suk Seo (University of Maryland, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: In recent years, the field of astrophysics has witnessed significant discoveries related to cosmic rays (CRs), thanks to the development of new experimental techniques and technology integrated into instruments launched into space and the upper atmosphere. These instruments include PAMELA, Fermi-LAT, AMS-02, CALET, DAMPE, NUCLEON, and ISS-CREAM.
Ground-based gamma-ray telescopes, such as H.E.S.S., LHAASO, MAGIC, and VERITAS, along with the water Cherenkov detector HAWC, have also been able to investigate CR fluxes in distant regions. Additionally, the birth of gravitational wave astronomy (LIGO and Virgo) and the detection of the first astrophysical neutrinos by IceCube have marked significant milestones in the field. Meanwhile, older instruments like Voyager 1 and 2, built using technology from the 1970s, continue to provide unique information from interstellar space.
This event will showcase recent spectacular discoveries in multi-messenger astrophysics and new measurements of the CR species’ spectra and isotopic composition. Direct measurements of gamma-ray and neutrino emissions from particle accelerators and interstellar space, as well as new findings on CRs at very high and ultra-high energies, will also be highlighted. The session encourages presentations of innovative experimental approaches and theoretical analyses that address questions related to the “Origin” of cosmic messengers.
COSPAR Scientific Assembly and its proceedings Advances in Space Research are open to all bona fide scientists.
E1.2 From the Formation of Massive Binaries to the Emission of Gravitational Waves
MSO/DO(s): Sylvain Chaty (Ecole Polytechnique, Universit´e Paris Cit´e, France), Irina Dvorkin (Institut d’Astrophysique de Paris, France)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: This E1.2 event (four quarter-days) proposed for the 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly, aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the astrophysical pathways leading to the formation of compact binary coalescences detectable via gravitational waves. It will focus on the full evolutionary sequence of massive stellar binaries — from their initial formation in various galactic environments, through phases of mass transfer, accretion, and common envelope evolution, to the final stages of core collapse and merger.
Emphasis will be placed on the interplay between observations (from space and ground-based facilities), numerical simulations (e.g., stellar evolution, binary population synthesis, hydrodynamics), and theoretical frameworks. Key physical ingredients such as metallicity dependence, stellar rotation, tidal interactions, wind mass loss, supernova kicks, and angular momentum transport will be discussed in the context of their impact on the properties of gravitational wave progenitors.
The event will bridge the gap between the massive binary star community and the gravitational wave astrophysics community, and is addressed to researchers affiliated with Scientific Commission E (Astrophysics from Space). It will feature a mix of invited, solicited, and contributed talks, and will encourage cross-disciplinary dialogue on the modelling and interpretation of gravitational wave sources from an astrophysical standpoint.
E1.3 Neutron Star Low-mass X-ray Binaries: a Comprehensive View
MSO/DO(s): Sudip Bhattacharyya (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research-TIFR, India), Andrea Sanna (Universita degli Studi di Cagliari, Italy)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Neutron star low-mass X-ray binaries provide a unique opportunity to investigate different interesting astrophysical phenomena, including accretion/ejection mechanisms in the strong gravity regime, neutron star ultradense matter states, low-mass X-ray binary evolution, millisecond pulsars, relativistic jets, plasma physics, and properties of matter in extreme conditions. Such systems are also promising targets for multi- messenger astronomy, i.e., as gravitational wave emitters, e.g., sources of continuous waves. These compact objects can be studied by X-ray spectral, timing, and polarization techniques, as well as in other wavelengths and messengers. The proposed event will take stock of the current status of the research in this field. It will include the new theoretical and multi-wavelength observational results and discussions on innovative ideas regarding future prospects. The event will bring together a broad and diversified spectrum of observational and theoretical astronomers and physicists.
E1.4 Timing, Spectra and Polarimetry of Galactic and Extragalactic Black Holes. Advanced Analysis and Modelling
MSO/DO(s): Mariano Mendez (University of Groningen, Netherlands), Nikolaos Kylafis (University of Crete, Greece)
Organizing Committee: Barbara De Marco (Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, Spain), Alexandra Veledina (University of Turku, Finland), Andrzej Zdziarski (Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center, Poland; TBC), Stephane Corbel (Observatoire de Paris, France), David Russel (New York University at Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Event Information: Over the past five years, significant progress has been made in understanding the inner accretion flow in X-ray binaries (XRBs) and Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN), and the correlation between accretion, outflows and jets. Advanced timing-spectral-polarimetric analysis techniques and modeling have revealed the physical and geometric properties of the corona and accretion disc, and their relationship with jets, outflows, and winds. Key questions include: Is the corona outflowing? What fraction of the corona goes into the outflow and what fraction goes into the black hole? How are electrons in the corona energized? What is the corona’s size and geometry? How is energy distributed within the system components? We will explore these topics, focusing on new analysis tools and models that simultaneously fit the timing, spectral, and polarimetric properties of XRBs and AGN, and their correlation with jets, outflows, and winds, aiming to advance our comprehensive understanding of these complex systems. At the last day we will organize a round table debate, which has been very successful in previous meetings.
E1.5 Timing Analysis of Low Mass X-ray Binaries across the Electromagnetic Spectrum
MSO/DO(s): Federico Vincentelli (INAF/IAPS, Italy), Alexandra Tetarenko (University of Lethbridge, Canada)
Organizing Committee: C. Baglio (INAF, Italy), P. Casella (INAF, Italy), N. Degenaar (University of Amsterdam, Netherlands), S. Motta (INAF, Italy), A. Veledina (Turku University, Finland)
Event Information: The study of the variable emission from low mass X-ray binaries have proven to be one of the most powerful approaches to understand their physical processes. Since the 90’s X-ray timing analysis has provided tight constraints on the inner regions of these systems. Furthermore in the last decade, fast O-IR and radio observations of accreting Compact Objects have opened a new window to study jets around black hole and neutron stars. The increasing number of multi-wavelength campaigns on these sources are revealing a rich and complex phenomenology, which is still not fully understood. Furthermore, this led to a significant advancement in our theoretical understanding of accretion/ejection phenomena, with the development of new time- dependent multi-wavelength models. We will gather the leading researchers on timing analysis at all wavelengths to share the most recent results, bridge the gaps between different areas of expertise, and discuss its future directions.
E1.6
Novae as Astrophysical Laboratories of Extreme Phenomena
MSO/DO(s): Marina Orio (INAF-Padova (Italy) and University of Wisconsin (USA), Solen Balman (Istanbul University, Turkey)
Organizing Committee: Solen Balman (DO, Istanbul University, Turkey), Ehud Behar (Technion, Israel), Massimo Della Valle (INAF, Italy), Rebecca Diesing (Institute of Advanced Studies-Princeton, and Columbia University, USA), Jeremy Drake (Lockheed Martin, USA), Jordi Jose (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain), Yael Hillman (Azrieli College of Engineering, Israel), Ruben Lopez-Coto (Spain), Gerardo Juan Luna (Universidad Nacional de Hurlingham, Argentina), Joanna Mikolajewska (CAMK, Poland), Marina Orio (MSO, University of Wisconsin, USA and INAF, Italy), Kim Page (University of Leicester, UK), K.P. Singh (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, India)
Event Information: Novae outbursts have been recorded for 150 years but remain surprising laboratories for extreme multiwavelength phenomena over the whole electromagnetic spectrum. Luminous symbiotic novae may also be multimessenger sources, with measurable neutrino flux. Evidence of shocks was found 50 years ago and, after decades detecting them in X-ray, radio and gamma-ray wavelengths, we have a complex, intriguing picture of phenomena common to many other more distant astrophysical sources, including (but not limited to) supernovae and supernova remnants. However the correlation of the data in different wavelengths is still not well understood; multiple shocks may occur at different epochs. The X-ray spectra of the shocked plasma also shed light on nucleosynthesis and chemical yields, an astrophysical aspect that can be studied through radioactive decays at high energy. We would like to gather observational astronomers, theoreticians and high energy physicists for productive discussions on these fascinating physics.
E1.7 Connecting Numerical Simulations to Observations in Accreting Systems
MSO/DO(s): Shane Davis (University of Virginia, USA), Lixin Dai (University of Copenhagen, Denmark)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Numerical simulations are increasingly at the forefront of theoretical studies of accreting systems
around black holes and other compact objects. It is often the case, however, that simulations are not well matched for making direct predictions of observational quantities such as rapid variability, light curves, and spectra. Connecting to observations often requires the development of models that incorporate insights from numerical simulations or sophisticated post-processing calculations to make quantitative predictions. The proposed event would bring together scientists performing numerical simulation or using simulation results to directly connect with observational data from X-ray binaries, active galactic nuclei, tidal disruption events and other accretion powered systems.
E1.8 Accretion Disks and Coronae in AGN: Observational and Theoretical Advances
MSO/DO(s): Gulab Dewangan (IUCAA, India), Alex Markowitz (Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center, Poland)
Organizing Committee: Cosimo Bambi (Fudan University, China), Johannes Buchner (Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, Germany) Boz˙ena Czerny (Center for Theoretical Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland), Barbara De Marco (Universitat Polit`ecnica de Catalunya, Spain), Michal Dovciak (Astronomical Institute of the CAS, Czech Republic), Giorgio Matt (Roma Tre University, Italy), Iossif Papadakis (University of Crete, Greece), Dheeraj R. Pasham (MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, USA), James N. Reeves (The Catholic University of America, USA)
Event Information: The accretion of matter onto supermassive black holes (SMBHs) in AGN leads to complex observational characteristics across all wavebands. Spectral, polarisation, and rapid variability measurements all yield significant insight into the physical processes operating near SMBHs, including the regime of extreme gravity. Recent crucial observational advances include those provided by X-ray missions such as IXPE, XRISM, eROSITA, Einstein Probe, and SVOM.
This event aims to bring together both theorists and observers to review the latest advances in our understanding of inner accretion flows in AGN including (i) X-ray spectral, timing, and polarisation properties, (ii) advances in modelling the disk, hot and warm coronae, and outflows, (iii) the disc/corona interplay, including X-ray reflection and disc thermal reverberation, and (iv) observations of extragalactic nuclear transients, including Changing-Look AGN, Tidal Disruption-Events, and Quasi-Periodic Eruptions, the mechanisms that drive them, and their relationship with persistently-accreting AGN.
E1.9 Understanding Black Hole Physics through Multi-scale Accretion and Ejection Properties
MSO/DO(s): Gabriele Bruni (INAF-IAPS, Italy), Federica Ricci (INAF OAR, Roma Tre University, Italy)
Organizing Committee: Alessia Tortosa (INAF-OAR, Italy), Riccardo Middei (ASI, Italy), Francesco Tombesi (University Tor Vergata, Italy), Elena Bertola (INAF-Arcetri, Italy)
Event Information: Black holes are observable through their kaleidoscopic manifestations including jets, winds, and multiwavelength flares. The coupling between accretion properties and ejecta is of great interest to understand how black holes can reprocess the inflowing matter into outflows up to galactic scales and their role in the host galaxy evolution. Jets launched from supermassive black holes, and winds from their accretion disk, have become foreground actors for feedback invoked by galaxy evolutionary models, key to reproducing todays’ Universe.
During the last decade, both ground-based (ALMA, NOEMA, MUSE/VLT etc) and space-based (Chandra, XMM, HST and now JWST) facilities have been pivotal to uncover some details on such energetic phenomena. However, our knowledge
of accretion/ejection physics at the basis of AGN feedback is still limited: common traits between supermassive and stellar black holes can help in understanding the fundamental quantities driving the collimation and acceleration of the outflows. This event aims at connecting communities working on the two fields, building a comprehensive view on the phenomenon.
• Transient accretion episodes: TDEs, flares
• Multi-scale Inflow/outflow connections, from galaxy scales down to the horizon
• Low vs high-luminosity states in AGN and X-ray binaries
• Simulations of jets and winds at different accretion regimes
E1.10 Investigating the Origin and Dynamics of Outflows near Compact Objects across the Electromagnetic Spectrum
MSO/DO(s): Elisa Costantini (SRON, Netherlands), Maria Diaz Trigo (ESO, Germany)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Outflows are a fundamental feature of the universe and represent the link between accretion objects and their environment. Neutral and ionised winds in Active Galactic Nuclei have the potential of helping regulating the host galaxy growth and as a consequence influence galaxy formation across the universe. At a smaller scale, X-ray binaries winds are released in the ISM, influencing the environment and eventually the future formation of stars and planetary systems. It is therefore crucial to understand how outflows are produced and the energy they carry. Important advancements in the field have been achieved thanks to a multiwavelength approach and a constant improvement of instrumental capabilities.
This event aims at highlighting the most recent results e.g. from Alma, JWST, HST, and the X-ray observatories XRISM, XMM-Newton and Chandra, to define the state-of-art in our understanding of outflows energetics and dynamics and discuss the many open questions in the field.
E1.11 Probing Supermassive Black-hole Growth through Variability Studies in Large Surveys: Synergies from Space and Ground
MSO/DO(s): Maurizio Paolillo (University of Naples “Federico II”, Italy), William Brandt (Penn State University, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Many of the clues we have about the nature of AGN come from variability studies at all wavelengths. Large sky surveys are now making the time domain accessible over large cosmological volumes, allowing us to probe the general population of accreting supermassive black holes, as well as rare and extreme sources. We intend to discuss variability studies emphasizing synergies from space and ground facilities, spanning the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Ongoing and planned observatories, such as CTA, eROSITA, Euclid, SDSS, Vera Rubin, SKA, will deliver an unprecedented amount of data whose exploitation requires the community to prepare new tools and new collaboration environments to fully benefit from this revolution. We intend to discuss both observational data and theoretical models required to explain the diversity of AGN variability, including continuum and line variability, reverberation, intrinsic vs external variability, and persistent or episodic accretion rate changes.
The event will include a number of solicited presentations to involve the main communities working on large surveys, as well as experts on specific aspects of AGN variability as observed with space and ground observatories, with the ultimate aim of building a better understanding of the properties of the AGN population and its evolution.
E1.12 Galaxy Evolution with the JWST Near and Far
MSO/DO(s): Dimitra Rigopoulou (University of Oxford, UK), Susanne Aalto (Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden)
Event Information: With its unprecedented sensitivity and unparalleled spatial resolution, JWST is revolutionizing our view of galaxy evolution. From unveiling the dusty hearts of nearby galaxies to revealing the formation and growth of the first galaxies and supermassive black holes, JWST’s transformative power enables us to trace the evolution of stars, gas and dust and chart the growth of structures in the Universe.
In this meeting we wish to bring together communities working with JWST observations of galaxies near and far to discuss new insights and findings on linking dust and gas properties of galaxies observed at different scales and cosmic times.
The main objectives of the meeting will be to review the progress made so far whilst keeping an open mind to future prospects and discoveries. Topics that will be covered include (but are not limited to): First galaxies – first stars and stellar populations; Formation and evolution of supermassive black holes; the impact of the AGN on its host galaxy Gas, dust and molecules; the ever-evolving Interstellar Medium of galaxies.
The meeting will review our current understanding of the growth of structures at the early Universe, the properties of galaxies at Cosmic Noon and the detailed physical insight we can gain from studies of galaxies in the local Universe by comparing observations to theoretical models and numerical simulations. While the focus will be on observations with the JWST crucial insights can be gleaned from synergies with other facilities.
E1.13 Synergies and Exploitation in Multimessenger and Time-domain Astrophysics
MSO/DO(s): Lorenzo Natalucci (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica, Italy), Marica Branchesi (Gran Sasso Science Institute, INFN, Italy)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: The field of multimessenger astrophysics is undergoing rapid development both in the technology area and theoretical understanding of phenomena. While a high number of facilities is planned especially for the next decade, it is not yet clear how to coordinate follow-up observations and to give access to alerts and data to be used by the community. This event aims to provide: (a) a forum for a comprehensive review of the multimessenger context, with the most recent theoretical and observational results; (b) a bridging of the many aspects of data exploitation and synergies among the different space and ground facilities.
E1.14 Exploring the Zoo of Transients in the Era of Big-Data Astronomy
MSO/DO(s): Rosa Leticia Becerra Godinez (Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Italy), Maria Giovanna Dainotti (NAOJ, Japan)
Organizing Committee: Eleonora Troja (University of Rome, Italy) William Lee (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México) Stéphane Basa (Laboratoire d’Astrophysique de Marseille, France) Anastasia Tsvetkova (University of Cagliari, Italy) Binbin Zhang (Nanjing University, China) Bruce Gendre (University of the Virgin Islands) Yannis Liodakis
(University of Crete, Greece) Malgorzata Bogdan (University of Wroclaw, Poland) Hui Sun (NAO, CAS, China) Agnieszka Janiuk (Warsaw University, Poland)
Event Information: The landscape of time-domain astrophysics is being rapidly transformed by the unprecedented growth of sky-monitoring capabilities. A new generation of space- and ground- based observatories, operating with diverse cadences, sensitivities, and spectral ranges, is driving an explosion in the discovery of transient phenomena across the electromagnetic spectrum and beyond.
This session is dedicated to presenting results from observational strategies, the role of numerical simulations and the application of machine learning algorithms for the statistical analysis of transient events. These include, but are not limited to, gamma-ray bursts, fast radio bursts, gravitational wave counterparts, fast blue optical transients, and fast X-ray transients.
By fostering dialogue between observers, theorists, and data scientists, this session aims to help define a cohesive approach to capturing, classifying, and interpreting the full zoo of astrophysical transients in the big-data era.
E1.15 Extreme Accretion Events in Supermassive Black Holes
MSO/DO(s): Claudio Ricci (University of Geneva, Switzerland), Paula Sanchez Saez (ESO, Germany)
Organizing Committee: Patricia Arevalo (Universidad de Valparaiso, Chile), Franz Bauer (Universidad de Tarapaca, Chile), Margherita Giustini (Centro de Astrobiologia, Spain), Chichuan Jin (CAS China), Arne Rau (Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, Germany), Taeho Ryu (University of Colorado, USA), Benny Trakhtenbrot (Tel Aviv University, Israel)
Event Information: This event will focus on transient and persistent extreme accretion episodes in supermassive black holes (SMBHs), with a particular emphasis on the former. Several critical aspects of extreme accretion will be discussed, including tidal disruption events (TDEs), changing- state Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN), quasi-periodic eruptions (QPEs), new types of SMBH-related transients, and super-Eddington accretion in AGN. This COSPAR event will combine new developments in time-domain and multi-wavelength observations, as well as theoretical models. The session is highly timely, considering the kick-off of LSST observations and the progress in other time-domain facilities.
E1.16 High Resolution and Space-borne Radio Astronomy: Recent Achievements, Open Questions and Future Opportunities
MSO/DO(s): Maciek Wielgus (Instituto de Astrofisica de Andalucia CSIC, Spain), Tuomas Savolainen (Aalto University, Finland)
Organizing Committee: Gabriele Bruni (INAF, Italy), Jae-Young Kim (UNIST, South Korea), Yuri Kovalev (MPIfR, Germany), Dan Marrone (University of Arizona, USA), Cristina García Miro´ (Observatorio de Yebes, Spain)
Event Information: Supermassive black holes power active galactic nuclei (AGN) and their relativistic jets, making them prime targets for extreme angular resolution studies. The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) has achieved horizon-scale imaging of M87* and Sagittarius A*, revealing unprecedented details of their immediate environments. For several nearby AGN, high-resolution radio observations now resolve the innermost regions—down to hundreds of Schwarzschild radii—where jets are launched, collimated, and accelerated.
Building on the success of past Space VLBI missions, such as VSOP and RadioAstron, the time is ripe to review their key results and explore the next generation of missions, particularly those focusing on high-frequency observations. This session will examine the latest observational and theoretical advances in ground-based and space-based radio astronomy, open research questions, synergies between radio and high-energy observations, and the scientific opportunities enabled by upcoming instruments. In particular, future space radio interferometry promises to deliver the highest angular resolution ever achieved. At the other end of the spectrum, ultra-low wavelength (ULW) radio observations— below about 10 MHz (wavelengths ¿30 m)—remain inaccessible from the ground due to the Earth’s ionosphere. Yet, this regime holds immense scientific potential, from detecting the highly-redshifted hyperfine line of neutral hydrogen from the Universe’s Dark Ages to characterizing magnetically-induced emissions from extrasolar planets. This session will also cover recent results from low-frequency ground facilities, early space-based tests, and plans for future lunar and free-flying ULW telescopes.
By bringing together experts in Space VLBI and ULW radio astronomy, this session aims to highlight the transformative role of space-based radio observations in addressing fundamental astrophysical questions.
E1.17 New Concepts and Technologies for X-ray Astronomy
MSO/DO(s): Michael Wise (SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research, Netherlands), Herman Marshall (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
E1.18 Revolutionising High-energy Astrophysics with New Athena
MSO/DO(s): Eleonora Troja (Università di Tor Vergata, Italy), James Aird (University of Edinburgh, UK)
Organizing Committee: Matteo Guainazzi (ESTEC/ESA), Didier Barret (IRAP, France), Kirpal Nandra (MPE, Germany), Laura Brenneman (Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, USA), Elisa Costantini (SRON), Thomas Dauser (Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany), Dominique Eckert (Université de Genève, Switzerland), Hirofumi Noda (Tohoku University, Japan), Ciro Pinto (INAF–IASF Palermo, Italy), Gabriel Pratt (CEA Saclay, France), Nanda Rea (ICE-CSIC, Spain)
Event Information: NewAthena is ESA’s next-generation, flagship-class X-ray observatory, due to launch in the 2030s. It will be an open observatory, providing astronomers world-wide with unprecedented X-ray survey and spectroscopic capabilities. As the mission approaches the end of the study phase and prepares for Adoption (the no-return gateway into the ESA Science Programme), this session is ideally timed to provide an update on the mission profile and driving scientific objectives.
The session aims to foster dialogue across the broader astronomical community, ensuring that NewAthena’s scientific vision remains ambitious and well-aligned with emerging research frontiers. We invite contributed talks on the latest advances in X-ray astronomy, highlighting work from the community to identify the range of science that NewAthena will address.
Main topics include:
• large-scale structures
• the baryon cycle
• stellar evolution
• active galaxies
• compact objects
• planetary systems
• multi-messenger astrophysics
E1.19 X-ray Polarimetry from IXPE to eXTP and More
Organizing Committee: Paolo Soffitta (INAF-IAPS, Italy), Mark Pearce (KTH, Sweden), Fei Xie (Guangxi University, China), Lian Tao (IHEP, China), Merlin Kole (University of New Hampshire, USA), Steven Ehlert (NASA-MSFC, USA), Elisabetta Baracchini (GSSI, Italy), Alexandra Veledina (University of Turku, Finland), Jiri Svoboda (Astronomical Institute Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Czech Republic), Ivan Agudo (IAA-CSIC, Spain) Andrea Santangelo (University of Tubingen, Germany), Biswajit Paul (Raman Research Institute, India), Santosh Vadawale (PRL, India), Silvia Zane (MSSL, UK), Andrea Marinucci (ASI, Italy)
Event Information: The launch of IXPE marked a revolutionary milestone in astrophysics, introducing unprecedented sensitivity to observables, the polarization degree and angle in the X-rays, that had never been thoroughly explored before. As is often the case when a new observational window opens, the results have been largely unanticipated, challenging the current understanding in several classes of sources and revealing the demand for deeper and more sophisticated follow-up studies.
This event aims to bring together theorists, observers, and experimentalists to discuss current data analysis and modelling challenges, foster collaboration, share expertise and identify requirements for the development of the next generation of X-ray and gamma-ray polarimeters. These advanced instruments will target broader energy ranges, higher throughput optics, and increased effective areas, whether for wide-field or collimated applications. Observers and theorists will review the current status to identify unresolved challenges and offer guidance for future studies. Their contributions will provide observational strategies and stimulate development of models, which can be applied to current, planned, and future X-ray polarimetry missions. Experimentalists, in turn, are expected to draw inspiration from these dynamic discussions and propelling innovation in instrument design.
E1.20 Multi-facets of the High-energy Transient Sky Seen with SVOM
MSO/DO(s): Jerome Rodriguez (CEA Saclay, France), Maria Grazia Bernardini (INAF-Osservatorio Astronomico di Brera, Italy)
Organizing Committee: Marica Branchesi (GSSI, Italy), Bertrand Cordier (CEA Saclay, France), Brad Cenko (NASA/ GSFC, USA), Lian Tao (IHEP, China), Susanna Vergani (Obs. Paris/CNRS, France), Janyan Wei (NAOC, China), Bing Zhang (University of Nevada, USA)
Event Information: The Space-based multi-band astronomical Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) is a Chinese-French multi-wavelength missions that was successfully launched in June 24, 2024.
The mission programs can be divided as follows
• The ‘core program’ is dedicated to the serendipitous detection and rapid follow-ups of gamma-ray bursts with the onboard and associated Ground Telescopes.
• The ‘general program’ is dedicated to the observations of specific, pre-selected sources. The large fields of view of ECLAIRs and GRM allow for a large discovery space of serendipitous activity from any (known or new) transient sources, and potential automatic slews and follow-ups.
• Specific ToO programs finally allow for follow-up observations of any kind of pre-detected transients (GRBs, including revisit of SVOM GRBs, MM events, or classical sources) at all wavelength/messenger (Einstein Probe, Vera Rubin, LIGO/Virgo).
This scientific event is dedicated to the results obtained in these various programs after 2 years in space for SVOM.
The event will spend a full day of presentations and discussion, divided around these three programs, including large observing campaigns involving various observatories. The event will start with a general review of SVOM, and each session will start with a general review.
E1.21 Candidate Galactic PeVatrons: a View from Space
MSO/DO(s): Emma De Ona Wilhelmi (ICE/CSIC-IEEC, Spain), Giada Peron (Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri, INAF, Italy)
Organizing Committee: Aya Bamba (University of Tokyo, Japan), Barbara Olmi (INAF-Arcetri, Italy), Daniel Castro (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, USA), Emanuele Greco (INAF-Palermo, Italy), Enrico Peretti (INAF-Arcetri, Italy), Giovanni Morlino (INAF-Arcetri, Italy), Mario Giuseppe Guarcello (INAF-Palermo, Italy), Niccolo Bucciantini (INAFArcetri, Italy), Samar Safi-Harb (University of Manitoba, Canada), Sarah Recchia (INAF-Arcetri, Italy), Valenti Bosch-Ramon (Universitat de Barcelona, Spain)
Event Information: Among the most urgent open questions in high-energy astrophysics is the nature of the numerous ultra high energy Galactic sources recently detected by the ground-based gamma-ray experiment LHAASO above 100 TeV. Understanding the nature of these extreme emitters is non-trivial: LHAASO’s angular resolution in most cases is not sufficient to identify a single counterpart for the detected emission. To disentangle among the possible PeVatrons–primarily supernova remnants, pulsar wind nebulae, micro-quasars, gamma-ray binaries, and star clusters – synergies with different instruments at lower energies are needed, allowing a more detailed view of the region identified by LHAASO. We will discuss X-ray and gamma-ray observations aimed at constraining, also with the help of theoretical models, the emission mechanisms powering these sources, as well as infrared and radio data to investigate the environment around extreme particle accelerators. We will discuss both current data and future prospects linked to the forthcoming missions.
E1.22 Euclid - a Vast View of the Universe, in Anticipation of the First Data Release
MSO/DO(s): Marc Sauvage (CEA AIM, France)
Organizing Committee: Marc Sauvage (CEA, France) Christopher Conselice (University of Manchester, UK)
Event Information: Euclid, a medium-sized mission of the European Space Agency Cosmic Vision program, is nearing half of its intended lifetime. In October 2026, ESA and the Euclid Consortium will make the first data release, with more than 1000 square degrees of the cosmological survey data products released to the astronomical community. While the main science results from this data set remain under embargo until the release date, Euclid is also an excellent surveyor of our vast Universe, from the stellar populations of galaxies in our Local Group, to distant and rare objects of the primordial universe. In this session we propose to highlight the legacy value of the Euclid survey using results that will have been released by the time of the COSPAR as well as present what the community can expect to find in the upcoming data release that will be in its last months of preparation.
E1.23 CubeSats and Smallsats for High Energy Astrophysics Studies
MSO/DO(s): Fabrizio Fiore (INAF-Astronomical Observatory of Trieste, Italy)
Event Information: CubeSats and smallsats over the past few years gained reliability, maintaining relatively low costs and short development time. The limitation of using miniaturized payloads makes them an optimal tool for bright sources, such as high-energy transient. For these reasons several X-ray and gamma-ray dedicated cubesat missions have been realized in the past year, including constellation such as HERMES Pathfinder and GRID, and experiments such as GRBAlpha, GRBBeta, EIRSAT-1, SpIRIT, BurstCube, Light-1 and others. Several other projects are still in development phase and will soon reach orbit. The proposed symposium will provide an opportunity to discuss the progress in the field and exchange ideas about new opportunities with small missions in high-energy astrophysics.
The main goals of this symposium are:
• Update on current and planned missions;
• Exchange know how and share lessons learned on both technology and scientific fields;
• Prompt new collaborations;
• Discuss new technologies and funding opportunities
E2.1 Solar-stellar Connections: Closing the Gap
MSO/DO(s): Alexander Pietrow (Leibniz-AIP, Germany), Malcolm Druett (KU Leuven, Belgium)
Organizing Committee: Angela Santos (Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço, Portugal) Ioannis Kontogiannis (ETH Zurich, Switzerland)
Event Information: Understanding the formation, evolution, and behavior of our own star and solar system in a stellar context requires deeper coordination between solar and solar system investigations and the characterisation of stars and planets across the Milky Way.
The objectives of this session are:
1. To bridge the gap between the stellar and solar communities, and between the exoplanet and stellar communities by bringing together experts to discuss the latest results in these fields.
2. To provide a platform for collaborations and create dissemination channels between the solar, stellar, planetary and exoplanetary communities.
We particularly encourage applications with relevance to the Sun-as-a-star, discoveries in stellar physics with relevance to the Sun, advances in exoplanet discovery and characterisation with respect to their host stars, and Extreme space weather events and habitability such as:
Spatially resolved or Sun-as-a-star observations and models giving insight into mechanisms responsible for signatures in unresolved observations of stars, for example longer-term variations, flares, and other activity, and feature locations on the stellar disk.
Space weather observations and models with applications to understanding the environments and conditions around stars. The latest findings regarding solar-type stars, including physical modelling, and stellar populations and the insights these can provide regarding behaviours that may occur on our local star and surrounding planetary environments.
The characterization and mitigation of ‘stellar noise’ in transit, radial velocity, and astrometry related discovery and characterisation of exoplanets.
E2.2 Reconciling Theory and Observations: a Session on High-resolution Diagnostics of the Photosphere, Chromosphere, and Corona
MSO/DO(s): Souvik Bose (Lockheed Martin Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory, USA), Daniel Nóbrega Siverio (IAC, Spain)
Organizing Committee: Luis Bellot Rubio (Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía, Spain), Stephanie Yardley (Northumbria University, UK), Mark Cheung (CSIRO, Australia), Shin Toriumi (JAXA, Japan), Luc Rouppe van der Voort (Rosseland Centre for Solar Physics, Norway), Dipankar Banerjee (IIST, India)
Event Information: Recent advances in solar observations and numerical modeling are revolutionizing our understanding of the solar atmosphere and its coupling with the underlying magnetic field. High-resolution data from ground-based telescopes (e.g. SST, GST, DKIST) and space- based missions (e.g. Hinode, SDO, IRIS, Solar Orbiter, Aditya-L1, Parker Solar Probe) is causing a paradigm shift in our understanding of mass and energy balance of the outer solar atmosphere. To further refine our knowledge of the dominant physical processes governing the dynamics and heating of the solar atmosphere, a critical approach is to confront existing numerical models with these high-resolution observations. This entails focusing not just on the similarities but also on the discrepancies between them. The goal of this event is a critical comparison by providing an overview of the latest observational findings and numerical modeling developments. We invite theoretical and observational contributions that cover all of these aspects. Discussions/contributions on identifying the missing physics in current models and exploring new ways to enhance their realism are also encouraged. The ultimate motivation is to inform the development of future missions like MUSE and Solar-C, which are scheduled for launch within the next couple of years.
E2.3 The Life Cycle of Prominences: New Insights from Solar Orbiter and the Multi-messenger Era
MSO/DO(s): Susanna Parenti (Intitut d’Astrophysique Spatiale-CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, France), Manuel Luna (Universitat de les Illes Balears, Spain)
Organizing Committee: Vincenzo Andretta (INAF, Italy), Andrew Cameron (University of St. Andrews, UK), Peng-Fei Chen (Nanjing University, China), Rony Keppens (KU Leuven, Belgium), Elena Khomenko (IAC, Spain), Terry Kucera (NASA/GSFC, USA)
Event Information: Solar prominences are a valuable laboratory for investigating observationally and theoretically cool, partially ionized material enveloped in magnetic fields that can remain stable while suspended in the hot corona. Prominences are detected in stars, suggesting the acting of common physical processes. Solar Orbiter, ground based and other missions, provide multi-viewpoint observations enabling to tackle several open questions in the understanding of the physical processes acting on these features. Prominence formation and stabilization involve the creation of large magnetic structures and the loading, accumulation, and drainage of cold plasma, which is structured in partially ionized cold fibrils. It is unclear why they have this structuration, whether their partially ionized nature influences the formation processes and how they interact with the surrounding corona.
Here, we will review the latest advances from solar and stellar observations, numerical simulations, seismology, MHD, and radiative transfer modelling.
E2.4 Solar jets, CMEs, and Associated EUV Waves
MSO/DO(s): Ramesh Chandra (Kumaun University, India), Heesu Yang (Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, South Korea)
Organizing Committee: Ramesh Chandra (Kumaun University, India), P. F. Chen (Nanjing University, China), Cristina Mandrini (Instituto de Astronomía y Física del Espacio, UBA-CONICET, Argentina), Nariaki V. Nitta (LMSAL, USA), Alexander Warmuth (Leibniz-Institut fu¨r Astrophysik Potsdam, Germany), Reetika Joshi (NASA/GSFC, USA), Heesu Yang (Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, South Korea)
Event Information: Solar jets, coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) waves are interesting and important phenomena observed on the sun. Investigation of their nature and their connection requires the synergy of observations from different wavelengths. Recently, we have several solar space missions in operation, such as Solar Dynamics Observatory, Solar Orbiter, CHASE, ASO-S, Aditya-L1, which provide the golden opportunity to study solar eruptions. In order to understand the physical cause among solar jets, CMEs, and associated EUV waves, we plan to bring together the experts studying all aspects of these phenomena. We will focus on these topics:
• Multi-scale solar jets, energy sources, triggering and driving mechanisms of solar jets.
• High spatio-temporal resolution observations of EUV waves and associated jets and CMEs.
E2.5 Symbiosis of Waves and Reconnection (SWAR):
a New Physical Insight into Understanding Heating and Plasma Dynamics at the Sun
MSO/DO(s): Abhishekh K. Srivastava (IIT-BHU, India), Ryun Young Kwon (Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, South Korea)
Organizing Committee: A.K. Srivastava (SOC, Co-chair); E.R. Priest (University of St. Andrews, UK); K. Shibata (Kyoto University, Japan); James A. Klimchuk (NASA-GSFC, USA); David Berghmans (Royal Observatory, Belgium); Hardi Peter (Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, Germany); V.M. Nakariakov (CFSA, Warwick University, UK); P.-F. Chen (Nanjing University, China); Mark P. Rast (University of Colorado, USA); Paul M. Bellan (Caltech, USA); R.-Y. Kwon (KASI, South Korea; SOC Co-chair)
Event Information: The Sun’s corona is maintained at mega-Kelvin temperature and fills the heliosphere with the supersonic outflowing wind. The dissipation of magnetic waves and electric current are well known for the heating and dynamics of the various layers of solar atmosphere. However, a substantial debate still exists on the relative role of waves and reconnection in heating the localized plasma structures and generation of the mass cycles and flows. Recently, the ground-based and space borne observations, as well as theoretical/numerical models collectively imply towards a compelling existence of the “Symbiosis of WAves and Reconnection (SWAR)” leading to the dynamics and heating of the solar-like plasmas. SWAR is more than just a concept of the interaction of waves with the reconnection favourable magnetic topologies and vice-versa. The interactions of these two candidates were studied in past since decades, however, the recently proposed ”symbiosis” depends on the episodic co-existence of waves and reconnection processes, which help to reinforce each other during their roles in heating and plasma dynamics. What we are calling SWAR (a Symbiosis of WAves and Reconnection) represents a “mutualism” between waves and reconnection primarily in the solar plasma, however, this could have its physical significance in various other plasma systems also at the diverse scales. The waves and reconnection may drive each other, and so together play a role in causing localized heating and plasma dynamics in-particular in the solar atmosphere. There are several scientific findings in part in the past depicting
how the magnetic reconnection initiates waves and oscillations or vice-versa in the context of the solar plasma. On the contrary, SWAR presents an overview of their origin, likelihood in space and time, physical co-existence (dependence of one’s properties on the other), and mutualism (reinforcement and support). There are also some recent experiments in the laboratory plasma, which exhibit similar processes, therefore, indicating their prsence at diverse spatio-temporal scales. Given the multitude of physical scenario in place, where the symbiosis of waves and reconnection may play a vital role in understanding the dynamics and heating of the plasmas, we organize a COSPAR-26 session to generate a platform for extensive scientific discussions among the researchers working on the physics of magnetic waves and reconnection; building various research collaborations, and framing the future plans to develop and test the idea of ”SWAR” at disparate plasma scales including solar/stellar atmosphere and laboratory plasmas. The new ideas will be invoked in the frame-work of existing and upcoming solar observatories/space-missions, as well as various plasma experiments. The session will possess invited talks, contributed talks, and poster presentations.
E2.6 Waves
in the Solar Atmosphere:
Theory, Modelling, and Observations
MSO/DO(s): Konstantinos Karampelas (KU Leuven, Belgium), Mingzhe Guo (Institute of Frontier and Interdisciplinary Science, Shandong University, CAS, China)
Organizing Committee: Mijie Shi (Shandong University, Weihai-SDU, China), Tobıas Felipe (Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias-IAC, Spain)
Event Information: It is a well-established fact that the magnetised plasma in the solar atmosphere is filled with waves. From standing waves in closed magnetic structures to propagating waves that can reach the solar wind, observations have shown them crossing and linking together the different layers of the solar atmosphere. Focus has been placed on their potential role in heating the atmosphere and driving the solar wind and on their extensive use as tools for plasma diagnostics in coronal seismology.
This session proposes to bring together scientists working on models and observations of waves in the solar atmosphere. We will focus on the interplay between the waves and the atmospheric layers, on energy dissipation and on linking observations to theory. We aim to encourage dialogue between scientists observing waves and the modellers and promote the feedback between their respective areas that will help improve our understanding of this crucial research topic.
E3.1 Off-the-Sun-Earth-Line (OSEL) missions for a 3D view of the Sun and Heliosphere
E3.2 Heliophysics Multi-Messenger Era: from Exploration to Paradigm Shifting Discoveries
E3.3 Magneto-plasma Structures, Streams and Flows in the Heliosphere
E3.4 Magnetic Reconnection in a Turbulent Plasma from the Sun to the Heliosphere
E3.5 Stellar Forcing of Planetary and Exoplanetary Space Environments
E3.6
The Multifaceted Solar Wind: From its Origins on the Sun to Earth
E4.1 Exoplanet Detection and Characterisation: Current Research, Future Opportunities and the Search for Life outside the Solar System
F0.1 Joint Scientific Commission F Symposium
MSO/DO(s): Tom K. Hei (Columbia University Irving Medical Center, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Life sciences in space research requires a multi-disciplinary approach to better prepare mankind for extended space exploratory missions. In this Joint Commission F symposium, representative experts from each subcommission ranging from F1 to F5 will be invited to share their latest findings in order to synergize and to promote collaborative studies among commission F members. Speakers in the F0.1 symposium will be by invitation only from the MSO
F0.2 International Life Support Panel
MSO/DO(s): Gisela Detrell (Technical University of Munich, Germany), Chloe Audas (ESA, Netherlands)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Human space exploration is entering a transformative era. Established space agencies, emerging nations and private space enterprises are advancing their ambitions in Low Earth Orbit and beyond, with the Moon and Mars as future destination for Human Space-flight. The development of reliable, efficient, and resilient life support systems capable of sustaining human life during long-duration missions will be key for this endeavor. The International Life Support Panel will serve as a forum for key players in the space sector to engage in an open dialogue on the latest advancements, ongoing challenges, and emerging solutions in life support technologies. This round table shall cover a wide range of topics, including regenerative life support, closed-loop systems, and resource utilization. With participation of key players from space industry, space agencies and academia, the panel shall focus on fostering international collaboration, sharing best practices, and identifying key areas where further research and innovation are needed.
F1.1 Gravity Perception and Response in Plants and Fungi: Ground and Space Studies
MSO/DO(s): Chris Wolverton (Ohio Wesleyan University, USA), John Z. Kiss (University of North Carolina-Greensboro, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Understanding gravity perception, transduction, and response in plants and fungi is a fundamental, cross-cutting topic for biologists. The distinctions and interactions between statolith sedimentation and movement, mechano-sensory processes, and subsequent growth responses remain unclear. Experiments under weightlessness and clinorotation and related techniques as well as studies with numerous mutants have improved the understanding of gravitropism and are likely to increase in pace and importance with the advent of more robust genome sequencing and
editing technologies. The session will present the current state of the field with a focus on the function of accelerationsensitive structures and their role in the perception and transduction of the gravity signal and ensuing responses. The role of statoliths, the cytoskeleton, ion fluxes, and related molecular events such as light perception, gene transcription and expression, and physiological responses will be considered as well as the interaction among tropisms. In addition, groundbased and spaceflight experimentation results in unicellular systems and flowering plants will be presented in this session.
F1.2 Space Microgravity Environment Utilization
MSO/DO(s): Gi Hyuk Choi (Korea Aerospace Research Institute, South Korea), Joo-Hee Lee (Korea Aerospace Research Institute, South Korea)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: This event accepts abstracts relevant to the following topics:
• Fundamental Scientific Researches including Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Technologies etc.
• Medical researches for long term space staying
• Material sciences for semiconductors and all solid state secondary battery, super alloys, composite materials, soft matters, etc.
• Recent utilization of microgravity environment for Application of Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computings, Data Centers etc.
• Space production for using 3D printings, pharmaceuticals, optical fibers, etc.
• Culturing human organs from stem sells
F2.1 The Biological Effects of Space Radiation on the Health of Astronauts
MSO/DO(s): Christine Hellweg (DLR-Inst. of Aerospace Medicine, Germany)
Organizing Committee: Schroeder, Insa S (GSI, Germany); Tinganelli, Walter (GSI, Germany); Georgakilas, Alexandros (NTUA, Greece); Baatout, Sarah (SCK-CEN, Belgium); Shay, Jerry (UTSW, USA); Durante, Marco (GSI, Germany); Fogtman, Anna (ESA EAC, Germany); Sabatier, Laure (CEA, France); Costes, Sylvain (NASA Ames Research Center, USA)
Event Information: Space radiation remains a major health risk for long-term space missions beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The extent of the risk to develop cardiovascular diseases, central nervous system effects, immune system alterations and radiation-induced carcinogenesis on future missions has to be further elucidated using innovative biological models. In order to address this challenge, this session will focus on, but is not limited to, the following topics:
• Impact of proton and heavy ion irradiation at molecular, cellular, tissue and organism level
• Effect of dose, dose rate and radiation quality in space radiobiology experiments
• Innovative biological models for the assessment of space radiation risks
• Identification of novel biomarkers to predict and estimate space radiation risks
• Individual radiosensitivity and its importance in space radiation risk assessments
• Ground-based analogs for space radiobiology experiments
• Biology-based strategies to prevent and mitigate space radiation risks
Studies on synergistic effect of space radiation with other co-stressors (e.g., microgravity, psychological stress,...) are welcomed.
F2.2 Enabling Human Space Exploration through Research on Risks, Countermeasures
MSO/DO(s): Francis Cucinotta (University of Nevada Las Vegas, USA), Livio Narici (University of Rome Tor Vergata, INFN, ASI, Italy), Giorgio Baiocco (Universita` di Pavia, Italy)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: The objective of this session is to discuss the results of research activities that can improve space radiation risk assessment and identifying the need and efficacy of possible countermeasures. Possible risks include cancer and non-cancer risks, including cataracts, degradation of cognition, neurological and circulatory diseases. Particular attention will be given to the mechanisms underlining the dependence of biological effects on the quality of radiation and fluence rates. The session will discuss physical and biophysical multi-scale modeling and simulations with the aim of:
• Integrating activities carried on by scientists of different disciplines (physicists, biologists, etc.),
• Developing predictive models of the behavior of complex biological systems exposed to radiation,
• Allowing a better understanding of the risks to health from exposure to radiation as well as evaluating the efficacy of potential countermeasures.
• Reducing the uncertainties in risk predictions. Examples of Specific topics are:
• Physical interaction models and transport and track structure codes, code verification and validation with experimental data.
• Multi-scale mechanisms, modeling and simulations at molecular cellular, tissue and organism levels of the biological response to radiation.
• Systems radiation biology applied to DNA damage responses and oxidative stress leading to risk predictions.
• “Omics” investigation of biological systems after radiation exposure, including application of artificial intelligence (AI) using machine learning to integrate results from experiments.
• Development and understanding the efficacy of countermeasures for different mission scenarios.
• Risk assessment for cancer morbidity and mortality, with emphasis on chronic exposures and non-targeted effects.
• Non-targeted effects, including bystander effects and the role of immune responses in cancer progression and degenerative risks.
• Risk assessment of early onset effects that have the potential to impact performance during long duration missions, including degradation of cognition and immune responses.
• Risk assessment for non-cancer late effects.
• Application of space particle and dosimetry measurements, including biodosimetry, to radiation protection.
• Possible synergies between space radiation exposures (low fluence) with Hadron therapy (high fluence).
• Synergies of space radiation with other spaceflight risk factors.
F2.3 Space Radiations: Dosimetric Measurements and Related Models and Detector Development
MSO/DO(s): Thomas Berger (DLR), Germany), Yukio Uchihori (National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Japan)
Organizing Committee: Daniel Matthi (DLR, Germany), Ramona Gaza (NASA, USA)
Event Information: The space radiation environment and the relevant radiation exposure from the various sources is one of the limiting factors for long duration human space missions. The event will present the newest radiation
measurement results gathered onboard various manned space crafts as for example the International Space Station ISS. Further on it will provide information about the radiation field parameters measured in interplanetary missions as to the Moon and to Mars, being the precursor missions for future human exploration. These results shall be compared and benchmarked applying various radiation transport codes and newest results for model developments shall be discussed. Emphasize shall be further given to the development of new radiation detectors to be applied for long duration humans space missions (as to the Moon and Mars) and their ground based characterization applying various accelerator facilities and sources.
F2.4 Biological Response to Spaceflight: Mechanisms and Technology Development
MSO/DO(s): Yeqing Sun (Dalian Maritime University, CAS, China), Honglu Wu (NASA/Johnson Space Center, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: In deep space, the radiation field consists mostly of galactic cosmic radiation which differs from the environment in the low Earth orbit. Together with other environmental stress factors such as altered gravity, weak magnetic field and long-term confined living conditions, cosmic radiation can potentially cause a significant impact on the biological systems during deep space missions. Investigation of the mechanisms underlying the biological response to the space radiation exposure, in combination of other environmental factors, is essential for understanding its effects on material transport, energy conversion, information transmission and genome stability in different species. These investigations demand the development of on-orbit experimental platforms including experimental models and automated on-orbit monitoring and analysis technologies. The F2.4 session offers a communication platform for convergence of interdisciplinary fields, and focuses on the following topics:
1. Mechanisms of biological response by using systems biology approach and network regulation mining techniques.
2. Genetic effects and individual sensitivity for space radiation exposure.
3. On-orbit experimental models addressing the biological effects of space radiation in combination with other stress factors.
4. Automated real-time monitoring technology.
F3.1 Chemical Complexity of Molecular Universe
MSO/DO(s): Ankan das (Institute of Astronomy Space and Earth Science, India), Laura Colzi (Centro de Astrobiologia (CSIC-INTA), Spain)
Organizing Committee: Paola Caselli (CAS-MPE, Germany), Takashi Shimonoshi (Niigata University, Japan), Francesco Fontani (INAF-Osservatorio di Arcetri, Italy), Cristina Puzzarini (University of Bologna, Italy), Elena Redaelli (ESO, Germany), Bhalamurugan Sivaraman (PRL, India), Donatella Romano (INAF-OAS Bologna, Italy)
Event Information: Our universe contains a wide variety of chemical species, vibrant and diverse in organic inventory. The field of astrochemistry aims to study of the abundance and reactions of molecules in the universe, and their interaction with radiation. Recent advancements in observational and experimental facilities have accelerated our understanding of the behavior of molecular species in the universe, allowing theoretical investigations to align with observational and experimental yields. This conference will provide a platform to discuss and revisit recent developments from an observational, experimental, and theoretical point of view. In this meeting, we plan to discuss the following issues in more detail:
1. Numerical simulations to study the collapse and fragmentation of star-forming regions following the evolution of molecular emission.
2. Chemical complexity of molecular clouds and star-forming regions from starless cores to protoplanetary disks: Observations with ground and space-borne telescopes.
3. The fate of molecules in extreme environments (e.g., radiation-dominated regions, shocked regions)
4. Isotopic ratios: a tracer for galactic chemical evolution and their applications for astrochemistry.
5. Advances in laboratory and observational techniques to address important astrochemical issues.
F3.2 Life in Extreme Environments and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life
MSO/DO(s): Petra Rettberg (DLR-Inst. of Aerospace Medicine, Germany), André Antunes (Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Life on Earth, especially microbial life, has adapted to a wide range of extreme environments. Examples are hot and cold deserts, ice and permafrost, deep sea hydrothermal vents, anoxic brine pools, hot springs, acidic and alkaline lakes. The study of so-called extremophiles has provided valuable insights into the potential for life beyond Earth. By understanding how organisms evolved and adapted to these extreme environmental factors will give insights into the limits of life and its potential for existence in similar extreme environments elsewhere in our solar system. The search for life has primarily focused on Mars, Europa and Enceladus, as they are believed to possess conditions that might support life. The challenges assiciated with seaching for life in extreme environments are numerous. These include technological limitations, the need for sample return missions, and the difficulty in distinguishing between biotic and abiotic processes. Furthermore, the potential for life in extreme environments may be drastically different from what we are familiar with on Earth, requiring us to expand our understanding of the conditions that can support life.
For this session, we invite contributions covering astrobiological research in laboratories, in planetary and space simulation facilities, by modelling, in field studies, and in space.
F3.3 Icy-Moons Investigations from a Biological Perspective
Event Information: Icy moons have become an exciting target for the search for existing life or its precursors. Icy moons, as Europa and Enceladus, and other planetary bodies with subsurface oceans might be more common in the cosmos than previously thought. They could be a testbed for theories and technologies that could have wide applications in next generation astrobiology missions. Due to the technical and cost constrains of space missions, experiments on Earth are fundamental to better understand and characterize remote-sensing measurements. In this session, any researches based on understanding of the processes going on underneath the ice shell and the possibility to find life on icy moons, studies of terrestrial analogues of planetary environments and on laboratory simulation experiments on extremophiles are welcomed.
F3.4 Interstellar Chemistry, Interstellar Origins: Observations, Experiments, Models and Theory of the Molecular Evolution of the Universe
MSO/DO(s): Robin Garrod (University of Virginia, USA), Sergio Ioppolo (Queen Mary University of London, UK)
Organizing Committee: Olivier Bern´e (IRAP, France), Jordy Bouwman (University of Colorado, Boulder, USA), Stefano Bovino (Universidad de Concepcio´n, Chile), Paola Caselli (Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, Germany), Claudio Codella (INAF-Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri, Italy), Jennifer Noble (Aix-Marseille University, France), Cristina Puzzarini (University of Bologna, Italy), Albert Rimola (Universitat Aut`onoma de Barcelona, Spain)
Event Information: Molecular observations from centimeter to infrared wavelengths continue to show the richness of interstellar chemistry. Data from JWST now indicate the presence of both simple and highly complex organic species in dust-grain ice mantles, as well as probing molecular distributions in the hot gas close to protostars. The now mature ALMA telescope continues to drive our understanding of gas-phase chemistry in star and planet-forming sources. As the observational knowledge-base has grown, experimental, computational and theoretical astrochemistry research has risen to the challenge to interpret this new data. This Event will gather researchers in all areas of astrochemistry with interests in molecular evolution and complexity and the earliest origins of life. We will provide a platform for young researchers, especially those from developing countries, to present their work to an international audience.
F3.5 Origins and Survivability of Life in the Solar System
MSO/DO(s): Kensei Kobayashi (Yokohama National University, Japan), Petra Rettberg (DLR-Inst. of Aerospace Medicine, Germany)
Organizing Committee: Herve Cottin (Universit´e Paris Est Cr´eteil, France)
Event Information: Recent discoveries of biologically important organic compounds on bodies within the solar system, along with the results of simulation experiments, have significantly advanced research into the origins of life. Studies of life in extreme terrestrial environments, as well as experiments conducted in space, have reshaped our understanding of the limits of life. This proposed session will present and discuss novel findings in these areas through an interdisciplinary approach.
F4.1 Advances in Biological and Physiochemical Life Support System and Technologies
MSO/DO(s): Cyprien Verseux (ZARM, University of Bremen, Germany), Gisela Detrell (Technical University of Munich, Germany)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Crewed endeavours as long and remote as a permanent station on the Moon, or a journey to Mars, will require environmental control and life support systems which are beyond the state of the art: the amount of supplies to be lifted off Earth, and perhaps the accumulation of waste, would otherwise be prohibitive. Physico-chemical technologies currently in use must become more robust and more efficient; biological ones must be matured; and new technologies must be developed. Systems must be tested at a scale that matches the targeted applications, for which ground facilities will be needed. To extend mission autonomy on the Moon and Mars, the integration of local resources – notably the local regolith and, in the case of Mars, atmosphere – should be investigated thoroughly. The F4.1 event will provide a forum for those who aim at addressing these needs to present and discuss their ideas and findings.
F4.2 Life Support System Testing in Demonstration and Analog Facilities
Event Information: Future exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit will require the development of novel life support systems and technologies. Testing such systems in a simulated space environment, or according to representative operational scenarios, is a prerequisite step on the road to technology derisking, maturation and validation. Demonstration and simulation facilities on Earth serve as invaluable testbeds for an efficient assessment of systems and technologies’ performances, robustness and reliability over a representative scale and duration range. The F4.2 event welcomes presentations in life support system and technologies testing in demonstration and analog facilities such as radiation and reduced gravity mimicking platforms, pilot facilities or analog habitats in remote, isolated or extreme environments.
Event Information: In the near future, humankind will create a moon base and aim for Mars. For human enabled long-term stays in space it is increasingly commonplace to consider emigration to Mars. Ensuring a food supply will be necessary. With the aim of long-term stays in space, research is needed to solve food problems during manned flights (plant cultivation, securing protein sources such as fish and insects, cultivating mushrooms and seaweed to secure vitamins and minerals, etc.) We are seeking research presentations on life support systems in general, such as the development of equipment for cultivation and rearing, long-term protection through processing of harvested products, development of cooking methods that take nutritional balance into consideration, and cultivation of medicinal plants based on the idea that food is medicine.
We also need to discuss the nutrients essential for life obtained from microorganisms and minerals obtained from soil, etc. We are seeking presentations on the necessity of food in space (nutritional, psychological, hygiene, safety, chrononutritional, bioabsorption, etc.).
We invite abstract submissions from researchers who are interested in the topics of food in space, astroponics, and food processing equipment. In particular, this event will cover the study of plants which can be cultivated in space, space foods as future research topics, health in space through nutrition, and the role of food in space in maintaining the immune system and as medicine.
Food in space, astroponics, and food processing equipment will be increasingly studied fields and are essential for future long-duration, manned missions, and we hope many researchers will contribute abstracts for and participate in this Assembly event.
F5.1 Molecular, Cellular and Physiological Changes to Space Flight and Ground Studies
MSO/DO(s): Xiao Wen Mao (Loma Linda University, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: This session aims to discuss the cellular, molecular and physiological changes that occur in response to spaceflight. We will focus on flight experiments and ground-based analogues that have been conducted using cell culture and animal models. Studies that deal with spaceflight condition-induced effects, as well as those that show how different interventions could be used to mitigate spaceflight-induced changes will be included. This session will also include studies focusing on impacts of multiple space hazards on biological system in space and using ground-based analogues.
F5.2 Spaceflight - Associated Human Health Risksfrom Discovery Research to Quantitative Modeling
MSO/DO(s): Janice Huff (NASA Langley Research Center, USA), Evagelia Laiakis (Georgetown University, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: To ensure safe and successful spaceflight and preserve the long-term health of astronauts, methods to accurately assess, monitor and mitigate health risks associated with the spaceflight environment are needed. The main hazards are the mixed-field radiation environment, microgravity, isolation/confinement, closed/hostile environments, sleep deprivation, and distance from Earth. This session addresses cutting edge experimental and computational strategies for evaluating mission critical and long-term risks to human health and performance.
Topics relevant to spaceflight health risk evaluation include:
• The use of ground and flight analogs to acquire data
• Sample repositories and databases
• Evaluation of mixed-field radiation environment and GCR simulation
• Health monitoring and mitigation
• The use of multi-omics data
• Computational strategies for hazard assessment
• Individual risk/personalized medicine
• Developments in machine learning/AI for health risk analysis
• Human epidemiology applicable to astronaut health
F5.3 Isolation/Confinement Studies for Space Exploration
Event Information: Isolation/confinement is widely recognized as one of the five hazards impacting on the feasibility and success of the new human space exploration era. Living in a closed isolated environment induces a state of chronic stress on crew members, leading to immunity depression, neuroendocrine and metabolic alterations with concomitant
increase in basal inflammation levels. Social isolation and confinement-related stress have also emerged as relevant risk factors for a range of negative mental health outcomes, such as changes in brain structure and function, detrimental effects on cognitive and emotional functioning depression, and anxiety. In this complex scenario, the microbiota seems to play a key role in the adaptive response to this stressful condition. Additionally, prolonged exposure to artificial light in a closed environment and stressful sleep/working schedules induce alterations in the intrinsic circadian system. The objective of this session is to present and discuss data from isolation/confinement studies at molecular and systemic levels, with a comprehensive and integrated approach. Investigations on the identification of potential countermeasures will also be considered. The interdisciplinary session addresses researchers from the fields of biology, neuroscience, psychology, bioinformatics, and medicine dealing with the effects of isolation/confinement on human health.
G0.1 Gravitational Effects on Physico-Chemical Processe
MSO/DO(s): Jeff Porter (Universidad Polit´ecnica de Madrid, Spain), Jian-Fu Zhao (Institute of Mechanics, CAS, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS, China)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: This session is dedicated to research into the effects of gravity in fluid and material sciences. A wide range of basic processes and systems are of interest including: transport, mixing, multiphase flows, solidification, miscible or immiscible layers, interfacial instabilities, bubbles, drops, evaporation, boiling, combustion, particle motion and accumulation, convection, thermocapillary flows, jets, electrocapillarity, Kelvin-Helmholtz, Rayleigh-Taylor, RayleighB´enard, Marangoni-B´enard, etc. A complementary concern of this session is in practical and industrial applications such as material processing, separation methods, oil recovery and cleanup, life-support and propulsion systems, and biomedical engineering. The general aim is to provide a productive and stimulating forum where scientists from universities, industry, and other research institutions can discuss exciting new results and share their experience. Results from experiments carried out on microgravity platforms such as the International Space Station, sounding rockets, drop towers, parabolic flights, etc., are welcome, as are results from numerical studies examining the effects of gravity.
G0.2 Drop Tower Days
MSO/DO(s): Marc Avila (University of Bremen, Germany), Thorben Könemann (ZARM Fab mbH, Germany)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: The Drop Tower Days session is mainly concerned with latest results of microgravity and partialgravity experiments. In particular, this scientific event displays an excellent podium to share experimental know-how. Ideas and proposals for space-related experiments in drop towers or any further (ground-based) research platforms are also discussed. All scientific or technological subjects are treated to facilitate an interdisciplinary discourse among the participants. The Drop Tower Days session is addressed to all scientists who conduct research under conditions of weightlessness or partial gravity and those who operate and manage gravity-related facilities.
G0.3 GravityNEXT
MSO/DO(s): Álvaro Romero-Calvo (Georgia Institute of Technology, USA), Katharina Brinkert (Warwick University, UK)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: The space community is undergoing an accelerated transformation boosted by the commercialization of the sub-orbital environment and the ambition to make humans a multi-planetary species. Research of phenomena in reduced gravity conditions plays a central role in this process as a catalyst for space science and technology development. Therefore, access to microgravity and partial gravity platforms is essential to advance the technological maturity of the next generation of space systems.
In a move that represents a paradigm shift with respect to previous decades, private corporations are taking the lead in offering new testing platforms to a global community of space scientists and engineers. The ultimate goal is to democratize access to low-gravity and space environments and accelerate payload turnaround on a fly-test-fly basis. In order to speed up this process and make these new platforms available to the global microgravity research community, a central node is required.
The Scientific Commission G, Material and Fluid Sciences in Space Conditions, and the Committee on Industry Relations present this new COSPAR G0.5 session named GravityNEXT to promote, coordinate, and expand the industry-enabled gravity-related research community. This session will welcome papers on:
1. New suborbital, orbital, lunar, and Mars research facilities.
2. Research carried out on these new platforms.
3. Human-tended low-gravity research.
G0.4
Advanced Materials and their Technologies for Space Exploration
MSO/DO(s): Kai Li (CAS, China)
Organizing Committee: Jianfu Zhao (Institute of Mechanics, CAS,China)
Event Information: Research presentations on materials—including fluids—and their technologies, which may be used for solving challenges relating to microgravity, extreme heat or cold, radiation, weight saving, impact, and strength. Special attention will be given to fluid behavior, including interfacial dynamics, capillarity, phase change, and multiphase flow, especially under microgravity or other extreme environmental conditions. Part of the symposium will be devoted to high-performance polymers, as well as composites involving advanced polymers, reinforcements, and additives, focusing on investigations of physical, mechanical, and thermal properties and their behavior in harsh environments and microgravity. Another part will be devoted to additive manufacturing technologies for space applications, with particular emphasis on metal 3D printing techniques such as selective laser melting and electron beam melting, as well as polymer-based methods including fused filament fabrication and selective laser sintering. Research may also include the role of fluid behavior in materials processing and additive manufacturing, such as melt flow, resin curing, or powder dispersion, especially under microgravity conditions. Investigations may involve advanced polymers and nanocomposites or lunar regolith simulants for building structures on the Moon or other planetary bodies.
G0.5 29th ELGRA Symposium and General Assembly
MSO/DO(s): Kate Robson Brown (University College Dublin, Ireland), Elisa Raffaella Ferré (University College London (UCL), UK)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: The European Low Gravity Research Association (ELGRA) is an international organization of primarily scientists from European institutions who carry out research on altered gravity phenomena in life and physical sciences. In creating our flagship - the ”ELGRA Symposium and General Assembly”, we work with our members and aligned organizations to offer a platform for discussions and exchanges which is open to all scientists and the entire space industry. ELGRA also encourages open participation and engagement through an open call for talks, suggestions for space-related activities, and combining our general assembly with the symposium. We actively champion early career and student participation in the symposium, including through the provision of travel grants at each symposium and working with partners and sponsors who share this. In terms of the “ELGRA Symposium and General Assembly”, topics of interest are invited from a breadth of research and innovation areas. These include but are not limited to:
• Physical Sciences - e.g. materials science, fundamental physics, thermophysical properties, soft matter, complex fluids, etc.
• Life Sciences - e.g. including astrobiology, cell biology, microbiology, omics, life support systems, etc.
• Human Physiology, Performance and Medicine - e.g. tissue engineering, personalized medicine, bone musculoskeletal health, cardiorespiratory health, human performance, countermeasures, neuroscience and psychology
• Engineering - e.g. spacecraft engineering, radiation shielding, in-orbit manufacturing, habitat design, deep space missions and enabling technologies
• Technology, Mission Planning and Platform Developments - e.g. analogue environments, Lunar and Mars mission developments, new space platforms, etc.
• Planetary Science - e.g. including astrophysics, geology, Earth observation, space weather, environmental monitoring and modeling
• Education, Society and Economics - e.g. new models for RD business collaborations, legal and regulatory considerations, arts and humanities research, education and skill development
H0.1 Scientific Commission H Highlights
MSO/DO(s): Claus Laemmerzahl (ZARM, University of Bremen, Germany), Manuel Santos Rodrigues (ONERA, France)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: The main purpose of this session is to give space for highlight talks which are of general interest for all commission H or may bring outstanding results in Fundamental Physics. This covers gravitational physics, cosmology, condensed matter, space missions and space technologies, new quantum technologies, geodesy, practical applications of space, and all further interdisciplinary aspects of space research. With this event we also plan to create mutual interest between theorist and intrumentatist.
The selection of the talks will be done in collaboration with the organizers of the events H.02 - H.05.
H0.2 Cosmology, Gravitation and Quantum Physics Theory
Event Information: Evidence arising from the observation of the cosmic microwave background radiation, type Ia supernovae, baryon acoustic oscillations, cluster density, large scale structure surveys indicate that the expansion of the universe is accelerating, and that matter which can be observed through the electromagnetic radiation cannot account for the formation of galaxies and for the large scale structure of the universe. These observations suggest that, on the largest scales, the dynamics of the universe is dominated by a smooth uniformly distributed form of energy, dark energy, and that structure formation requires a substantial amount of a new form of matter, dark matter.
Given the mounting obervational support, questions about the nature of dark energy and dark matter are of utmost importance in contemporary cosmology. Furthermore, of great relevance is the connection that these entities provide for physics beyond the Standard Model of the Fundamental Interactions.. Another related issue is whether the observations can be explained within the framework of the so-called Standard Cosmological Model based on the General Theory of Relativity or, instead, in the context of alternative theories of gravity.
The purpose of this event is to bring these central issues of contemporary cosmology to be discussed at the COSPAR Assembly and to allow for a critical assessment of recent observational and theoretical ideas about these open problems of contemporary cosmology.
H0.3 Enabling Technology for Fundamental Physics and Quantum Systems in Space
MSO/DO(s): Sven Herrmann (ZARM, University of Bremen, Germany), Ernst Maria Rasel (Leibniz Universität Hannover, Germany)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: The fundamental physics program for space experiments offers a wide range of exciting topics, covering quantum mechanics, general relativity, gravitational waves and more. This session should bring together the worldwide activities that aim to advance key technologies enabling the ambitious missions in these fields. The state of the art and new developments in technologies such as metrology and optical interferometry, novel clocks, cold-atom technology and atom interferometry, as well as other novel quantum sensors and related mission proposals shall be presented.
H0.4 Advanced Methods for Geodesy, Metrology, Navigation and Fundamental Physics
MSO/DO(s): Roberto Peron (INAF-IAPS Rome, Italy), Ju¨rgen Müller (Leibniz University of Hannover, Germany)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: In this Scientific Event, we discuss advanced methods applied to the precise measurement of the gravitational field on ground and in space. These include applications in gravimetry, gradiometry, reference systems realization, time standards, high-precision frequency comparisons, precise orbit determination, possible variation of fundamental ’constants’, testing equivalence principle and theories of gravitation. We invite presentations to illustrate the principles and state of the art of these novel techniques, like atom interferometry, optical clocks, relativistic geodesy with clocks or chronometric levelling, quantum optics, intersatellite links, interplanetary laser ranging, planetary gravimetry. We also welcome presentations on further applications and invite contributions covering the theoretical description of these new methods, introducing novel theoretical concepts as well as new modelling schemes.
H0.5 Technology Development for Gravitational Wave Detection from Space
MSO/DO(s): Paul McNamara (ESA-ESTEC, Netherlands), Michele Armano (ESA-ESTEC, Netherlands)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Gravitational wave astronomy has established a transformative era in astrophysics, offering an entirely new way to observe the universe. While ground-based detectors such as LIGO and Virgo have successfully detected high-frequency gravitational waves generated by stellar-mass binary black holes and neutron stars, they are inherently limited by seismic noise and other terrestrial interferences, which constrain their sensitivity at low frequencies. To overcome these limitations and probe previously inaccessible regions, the development of space-based gravitational wave detectors has become an essential frontier.
Focusing on missions such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), this Scientific Event covers the development of the technology required for space-based detection. These include precision laser interferometry, gravitational reference sensing, drag-free satellite control, micro-Newton thrusters, and ultra-stable spacecraft configurations. This session includes papers covering hardware development, modelling of the flight systems as well as novel data processing techniques.
PCB.1 COSPAR Capacity Building
MSO/DO(s): Carlos Gabriel (COSPAR, Germany), Mariano Mendez (University of Groningen, Netherlands)
Organizing Committee: Diego Altamirano (University of Southampton, UK) Jérôme Benveniste (COSPAR, France) Dieter Bilitza (GMU, USA) Antonio Geraldo Ferreira (Univ. of Ceará, Brazil) Alexi Glover (ESA, the Netherlands) Nimit Kumar (IOCINDIO, India) Denise Perrone (ASI, Italy) Randall Smith (CfA, USA) Mpho Tshisaphungo (SANSA, South Africa)
Event Information: Capacity building is one of the most important and constant activities carried out by COSPAR over the last 25 years. In the last two years, 2024 and 2025 we have broken our previous records for the number of activities, demonstrating that the programme is not only alive but more active and more diverse in space science disciplines than ever before.
In this session we will discuss capacity building ideas and initiatives in general, the experiences and innovations introduced in our recent events, the new collaborations we are embarking on with other CB organisations, as well as our vision for the future of the initiative. We invite participants of COSPAR CB courses to contribute their particular experiences, as well as organisers or participants of other similar training events to submit their ideas/experiences.
PCB.2 COSPAR Capacity Building with Small Satellites
MSO/DO(s): Carlos Gabriel (COSPAR, Germany), Amal Chandran (LASP / University of Colorado, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: The advent of the New Space or Space 2.0 era, based largely on the development and exploitation of small satellites, is opening up new possibilities for developing countries and access to previously elusive science and technology. This is a key reason, but only one of several, why small satellites are of paramount importance for capacity building in developing countries. The COSPAR Panel on Capacity Building has started in 2024 a new programme
specifically for this area, with different characteristics from its traditional programme on CB that has been so successful over the last 25 years. Presentations about the successful start of this new programme and its first product, the COSPAR-1 satellite, will be part of this session, but we also invite participants to share experiences and lessons learned in the design and execution of small spacecraft development projects, considering both the challenges of meeting scientific and engineering requirements, and the role of such projects in education and capacity building in diverse environments.
PCSS.1 The Bright Future of Small Satellite Constellations for Space and Earth Science Programs
MSO/DO(s): Daniel N. Baker (LASP / University of Colorado, USA), Amal Chandran (LASP / University of Colorado, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Smallsats and the New Space revolution have now made inroads into essentially every aspect of space exploration and space “exploitation”. This includes space physics, Earth science, astrophysics, and planetary exploration. Smallsat approaches are a big deal for the space industry and for the “disaggregation” that national security organizations now embrace. COSPAR has played a key role in all this and should continue to do so. This session will focus on the role of small satellites in the spectrum of future space programs.
PE.1 Space Education in Schools in the Era of Generative AI
MSO/DO(s): Rosa Doran (NUCLIO-Núcleo Interactivo de Astronomia, Portugal), Gustavo Rojas (NUCLIO-Núcleo Interactivo de Astronomia, Portugal)
Organizing Committee: TBA
PE.2 Current Trends, Initiatives and Research in Education and Outreach for Space Sciences
MSO/DO(s): Gustavo Rojas (NUCLIO-Núcleo Interactivo de Astronomia, Portugal), Rosa Doran (NUCLIO-Núcleo Interactivo de Astronomia, Portugal)
Organizing Committee: TBA
PECISS.1 Early Careers and International Space Societies
MSO/DO(s): Mary Snitch (Lockheed Martin Space, USA), Aura Roy (Lockheed Martin Space, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: The future of COSPAR relies on an active new generation of space scientists. The PECISS.1 panel will discuss enhanced engagement of early-career scientists through grants, article-writing tutorials, competitions, and more. Panelists will represent early-career space organizations, such as the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), and
international space societies such as the IAF, IAU, AIP and Space Faculty to focus on the intersection of natural and social sciences organizations to create opportunities for COSPAR to engage further with the social sciences and humanities community. PECISS will collaborate with PE and also PCB to offer an enlarged visibility for their work and provide opportunities for novel research in highly dynamic research fields. This event will consist of a panel discussion of invited speakers only. Please do not submit abstracts for this event.
PEDAS.1 Sustainable Space Exploration: from the Mitigation of Space Debris in Earth’s Orbit
to the Safeguard of Planetary Environment
MSO/DO(s): Carolin Frueh (Purdue University, USA), Carmen Pardini (ISTI-CNR, Italy)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Space debris is a hazard for any sustainable space fairing. Hence, space traffic overall needs to be managed. The problem of space debris includes the near-Earth space, but also beyond that in the cislunar region and beyond. The problem include pre-launch considerations to mitigate space debris, the safe launch of satellites under environmental considerations, the safe operation during mission including both, the space and the ground segment, and end of life including graveyard orbits and reentry. In the safe operation the population as a whole plays a crucial role as well as the focus on individual objects creating the need for astrodynamics including orbit propagation, estimation and tracking, uncertainty quantification and evolution. To manage the space traffic efficient collision avoidance and decision making, the finding sources and sinks of the population, the effect of future populations are needed. In order to gather any information post launch, sensors, sensing, sensor tasking, processing and inversion techniques are necessary; new sensing techniques are needed to keep up with the growing space populations. Sensing information can be used to gain information on the center of mass of objects, or beyond that, either in the near of far-field. For extraction of so-called characterization information lab experiments may be necessary for comparison. In the end of life, further environmental considerations are necessary, such as polution through reentry and the finding and impact of safe disposals in the two and multi- body regime. Limiting the growth of the space population needs to be achieved including legacy objects, which makes active removal techniques a must. The aforementioned technical topics are integral to inform policy, space law and owner-operator decision making. The panel is seeking to give insights into the latest new technologies and developments in all the aforementioned areas. For an introduction to the topic overall and historic perspectives, please submit to PEDAS.1.
PEDAS.2 Current State: Human-made Object Effects, Space Debris Situation and Mitigation Efforts
MSO/DO(s): Carolin Frueh (Purdue University, USA), Carmen Pardini (ISTI-CNR, Italy)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Space debris is a hazard for any sustainable space fairing. Hence, space traffic overall needs to be managed. The problem of space debris includes the near-Earth space, but also beyond that in the cislunar region and beyond. This panel is offering an introduction to the topic of space debris, space situational awareness, and space traffic management. It is offering insights into the current state of the population, and projections into the future, and historic perspectives.
PEX.1 Integrating Sustainability, Environmental Ethics and a Responsible Use of Planetary Resources into Planetary Exploration
MSO/DO(s): Heather Smith (KIPR/ NASA Ames Research Center, USA), Chris McKay (NASA Ames Research Center, USA)
Organizing Committee: Michel Blanc (IRAP, France), Bernard Foing (MoonMars Village, The Netherlands), Andre Galli (University of Bern, Switzerland)
Event Information: The convergences between protecting planetary environments, resources utilization, and developing a sustainable approach to exploration are explored in this session. The balance between scientific strategic policies and policies regarding commercial use is reviewed. Also discussed is the effect of land management policies on environmental preservation as applied to planetary surface exploration.
This session focuses on how environmental ethics as developed on Earth can be applied to planetary exploration and use. Topics include, but are not limited to: sustainability, precautionary principles, reversibility, landscape preservation, and multi-use principles.
We welcome papers from the international science community and those planning commercial activities and resource utilization on other worlds.
PEX.2 International and Multiple Stakeholders Cooperation in the Sustainable Exploration and Utilisation of the Moon, Near Earth Asteroids, Mars, and other Celestial Bodies
MSO/DO(s): Andre Galli (Physics Institute, University of Bern, Switzerland), Bernard H. Foing (Leiden Observatory, Space Renaissance International, Netherlands)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: In the present climate of exploration and potential scientific and commercial exploitation of space and celestial bodies ranging from the Moon and Mars through asteroids and comets, all space actors have to consider environmental stewardship and international cooperation as essential for ’planetary sustainability’. Accepting that future exploitation of celestial bodies can provide an essential ingredient in the survival of the human species, and that outer space is not limitless with respect to the investments required, now is the time to address the conditions under which those investments will best be made, as well as the mechanisms required to avoid negative, and potentially irreversible, changes resulting from human activities. This future calls for international and multiple stakeholders’ discussion of the benefits of space exploration. These discussions will also form the basis to evaluate future investments and their collateral economic aspects, coupled to legal considerations of what measures can and should be undertaken to assure sustainable use of space resources and stewardship of celestial bodies.
We welcome contributions addressing any aspect of these topics, including viewpoints from space scientists, commercially-oriented contributors, legal experts, policy makers, and from all research branches covered by COSPAR Committees and Panels incl. social sciences and the humanities.
PEX.3 Challenges and Benefits of Planetary Exploration: Towards a New Edition of the COSPAR Exploration Roadmap
MSO/DO(s): Michel Blanc (IRAP/University of Toulouse/CNRS, France), Bernard H. Foing (Leiden Observatory, Space Renaissance International, Netherlands)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: This event will be dedicated to the presentation and discussion of ideas and studies addressing the three overarching goals of the new COSPAR Exploration Roadmap, planned to be released in early 2027, that will be extensively discussed at the Assembly:
1. Identify the major scientific drivers of space exploration in the different disciplines;
2. Propose international cooperation actions that will amplify the scientific return of space exploration programs for all disciplines and across disciplines;
3. Promote environmental stewardship of celestial bodies and propose guidelines to preserve their environments, resources, and cultural heritage.
Communications addressing the benefits of international and public-private partnerships in addressing these goals will be particularly welcome.
We invite all scientific communities engaged in space exploration to join us in Florence in the definition of this RoadMap by sharing their ideas and actively participating in the discussions that will follow.
PIR.1 Pushing the Farthest Frontier of Space Exploration
MSO/DO(s): Pontus Brandt (JHU APL, USA), Elena Provornikova (JHU APL, USA)
Organizing Committee: Michel Blanc (Institut de Recherche en Astrophysique et Planétologie, France), Kostas Dialynas (Academy of Athens, Greece), Dimitra Koutroumpa (Laboratoire Atmosphères, Observations Spatiales, France), Vlad Izmodenov (IKI, RAS, Russia), Ralph McNutt (JHU APL, USA), Justyna Sokol (SwRI, USA), Linda Spilker (Caltech, USA), Chi Wang (National Space Science Center, China), Robert Wimmer-Schweingruber (University of Kiel, Germany)
Event Information: The remarkable discoveries in interstellar space made by Voyager 1 and 2 have brought glimpses of a new regime of space physics with fundamental properties eluding our knowledge. At the same time, IBEX and HST observations have made it clear that the Sun is now entering the uncharted territory of the neighboring interstellar cloud that will continue to shape the evolution of our habitable astrosphere. Recent studies show evidence of a major astrophysical event about 3 million years ago that left the solar system completely exposed to the extreme densities of a cold molecular interstellar cloud for hundreds of thousands of years. Last decade, New Horizons executed the first flybys of a dwarf planet and a Kuiper Belt Object, and continues to detect persistent, elevated dust fluxes beyond the main Kuiper Belt calling into question our current view of the extent of the solar system and its formation. These defining milestones, and more, point to an imminent drastically changing understanding of our habitable astrosphere and the
solar system it harbors. With the Voyager power supplies dwindling, the rapid pace of exoplanet discoveries, and the evolution in our own understanding brought about results from the Voyager, Cassini, New Horizons, the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX), and soon the Inter-stellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) missions, the time is right for planning the next phase of robotic space exploration to understand our place in the galaxy.
The US Decadal Surveys carried out by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, and the ESA Voyage 2050 Senior Committee are in support of cross-divisional approaches for realizing missions like an Interstellar Probe. Escaping the solar system out to more than 500 au, such an Interstellar Probe seeks to understand our habitable home in the galaxy by conducting comprehensive in-situ and remote observations of the global heliosphere and its interaction with interstellar medium, dwarf-planet flybys, dust measurements, and spectral observations of the galaxy and extragalactic background. Additionally, the Interstellar Express program is gaining momentum in China and would feature a series of two or three probes. The first one would travel toward the nose of the heliosphere, possibly performing a flyby of Quaoar on the way, while the second probe, IHP-2, would fly in the heliospheric tail direction, skimming by Neptune and Triton. A tentative future third probe would explore the northern heliospheric hemisphere perpendicular to the ecliptic plane.
This COSPAR scientific event brings together the international community to discuss recent discoveries in this emerging field with a view to the next actionable steps in the exploration of our galactic neighborhood. The event is therefore divided into (1) science of the heliosphere and its interaction with the galactic environment, (2) science of the dwarf planets and Kuiper Belt beyond Neptune’s orbit, (3) measurements and instrumentation for making both remote and in situ observations to support that science, (4) corresponding mission and spacecraft concepts using near-term technology to reach at least several hundred astronomical units (au) from the Sun, and potentially to 1000 au in appropriate mission extensions, and (5) implications for and consequences of longed-lived missions to support these scientific goals.
PMLDS.1 Machine Learning and Data Science
MSO/DO(s): Yuri Shprits (German Research Centre for Geosciences—GFZ, Germany), Artem Smirnov (GFZ, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: In recent years, Machine Learning (ML) helped advance various domains of industry, such as autonomous driving, face recognition, virtual assistance, stock market predictions, among others. ML also transformed many areas of research, including space research. ML tools are highly effective for regression, classification, data clustering, time-series forecasting, object detection, all of which are of particular relevance for space sciences. ML allows developing global empirical models from sparse observations, and with ever increasing amounts of data supplied across all branches of observational space science, it can enable paradigm shift results that yield new insights into the underlying processes. However, ML applications to space research are not limited to data-driven modeling, since it is possible to use machine learning to develop surrogate - and much lighter-emulators of complex numerical codes by training models on their outputs. Furthermore, another emerging application of machine learning is for the development of foundation models, which are large-scale pre-trained systems that can be adapted to numerous different tasks. This Session presents the latest techniques, tools and results emerging from the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence.
PMLDS.2 Machine Learning and Data Science for Geospace
MSO/DO(s): Simon Wing (JHU, USA), Enrico Camporeale (University of Colorado at Boulder, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: As technological capabilities continue to advance, both space-based and ground-based missions, along with their associated instruments, are yielding exponentially increasing volumes of data. Concurrently, the growth in computational power is enabling simulations to produce similarly vast datasets. These extensive observational and simulation outputs present significant challenges to conventional data analysis methodologies. Machine learning is emerging as a valuable tool for facilitating the analysis, classification, characterization, forecasting, and discovery processes within large datasets. Likewise, advanced data and complexity sciences provide robust frameworks for analyzing, mining, and elucidating both linear and nonlinear relationships as well as causal inferences within large complex data sets. The Machine Learning and Data Science for Geospace Panel seeks to bring together scientists and researchers within the geospace community to present, discuss, and promote the integration and advancement of machine learning and data science applications in geospace research.
PMLDS.3 The Risks and Rewards of Machine Learning in Earth Science
MSO/DO(s): Wolfgang Wagner (Technische Universit¨at Wien, Austria), Benedikt Soja (ETH Zu¨rich, Switzerland)
Organizing Committee: Yuri Shprits (GFZ, Germany), Jérôme Benveniste (ESA-ESRIN, Italy), Witold Rohm (UPWr, Poland), Saeid Haji-Aghajany (UPWr, Poland), C K Shum (Ohio State University, USA)
Event Information: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming Earth Observation, with applications spanning pattern recognition in satellite data products (e.g., radar and optical imagery, altimetry, radio occultation, etc.), inferring physical variables across the atmosphere, land, and ocean, and time-series prediction. AI is being used for weather forecasting, land cover classification, vegetation monitoring, ocean current modeling, and climate variability analysis. However, the accessibility of open-source AI tools has led to indiscriminate applications, often yielding negligible improvements despite high computational costs.
To harness AI’s full potential, a scientifically rigorous approach is needed, focusing on AI’s strengths-modeling complex relationships, adapting learning processes, and transferring knowledge across domains-and mitigating weaknesses through explainable and physical learning approaches to enhance interpretability and robustness.
This joint COSPAR Scientific Commission A (Earth Observation) and Panel for Machine Learning and Data Science (PMLDS) session invites contributions on advancing AI-driven analytics for Earth Sciences, promoting effective and impactful applications, and AI-enabled broad Earth Sciences actions.
PMLDS.4 Machine Learning Applications in Heliophysics and Planetary Magnetospheres: Probing the Future
MSO/DO(s): Iulia Chifu (Georg-August-University of Go¨ttingen, Germany), Manolis K. Georgoulis (JHU APL, USA)
Organizing Committee: Filipa Barros (University of Porto, Portugal), Carlos José Díaz Baso (University of Oslo, Norway), Suzy Bingham (MET Office, UK), Brigitte Schmieder (Meudon Observatory, France), Enrico Camporeale (University of Colorado, USA)
Event Information: In recent years, machine learning methodologies have seen extensive and diverse applications across various domains of magnetospheric physics and heliophysics in general. This trend is expected to continue unabated, if not at an increasing pace. This proposed session will provide an encompassing overview of machine and deep learning techniques in the solar atmosphere, the inner heliosphere and the interplanetary space up to 1 AU and beyond. Forecasting, feature identification and pattern recognition of solar transient events, the solar wind and planetary magnetospheres, all fall within the session’s scope. An important objective will also be to spell out crucial questions that may inhibit or prohibit the proliferation of these methodologies and their potential benefits. We will invite leading experts in both machine learning techniques and data science, as well as seasoned heliophysicists active in machine learning applications, to explore the above topics, along with contributed presentations adding to the discussion.
PMLDS.5 Machine Learning and Data Sciences for Space Weather Predictions
MSO/DO(s): Artem Smirnov (GFZ, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Over the last few decades, machine learning (ML) has enabled unprecedented advances in a wide variety of scientific and industrial applications. ML techniques are highly effective for classification, regression, unsupervised clustering, forecasting time series, as well as improving the representations of data-scarce domains through generative modeling. ML models have also greatly benefited from incorporating the prior knowledge of the physics for constraining the models. ML techniques can even work for problems that do not require data at all, such as reinforcement learning where data are generated during the trials, or surrogate modeling that learns the outputs of complex physics-based codes.
All of the above-mentioned applications are highly relevant to space weather predictions, and have dramatically improved the accuracy of operational space weather models. ML methods are now frequently used for predicting the radiation belts and ring current, total electron content and electron density in the ionosphere and plasmasphere, for modeling Earth’s external magnetic fields, predicting the dynamics of distant regions of the magnetosphere such as the plasma sheet, as well as effects of the induced currents on the ground. In some areas, ML techniques are becoming the standard prediction approach, such as for geomagnetic indices forecasts. The ongoing machine learning revolution paves the way for enhancing our prediction capabilities to unprecedented accuracy levels, which would help mitigate the hazard that extreme space weather events pose. This session will discuss recently developed ML-based models and their comparison with observational data, as well as highlight the ML methods most useful for space weather prediction and their applications.
PoIS.1 Space Weather Prediction and Mitigation
MSO/DO(s): George A. Danos (Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation (CSEO), Cyprus)
Organizing Committee: TBA
PoIS.2 Advancements in Quantum Computing
MSO/DO(s): Eric H. Smith (Lockheed Martin Space, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Quantum computing will revolutionize industries from biochemistry to material science, artificial intelligence, aerospace and defense, and beyond. The ability to solve complex problems of real-world consequence is limited by qubits, and researchers are making significant progress on multiple hardware implementations. In this session, we will explore most promising paths to revolutionary capability, and the kinds of intractable problems that quantum computing will ultimately tackle.
With every use of a powerful technology for good comes the risk of misuse. The convergence of superintelligence with quantum computers that have far surpassed quantum supremacy could unleash havoc on financial systems, for instance, that would be devastating. In this session we will also discuss the urgency with which we must consider such potential misuse, and ways to safeguard against it.
PoIS.3 AI/ML-enabled Predictive Models of Biological Systems in the Harsh Environment of Space
MSO/DO(s): Eric H. Smith (Lockheed Martin Space, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Space biology and health researchers are faced with the challenge of small and limited datasets due to the constraints of performing research in space. Statistical analysis and machine learning benefit from larger numbers of data points. One approach to this problem is to generate realistic synthetic data to amplify intrinsic biological signals. However, this is often computationally intensive, making it prohibitive for many. In this session, we will hear from researchers who are taking an innovative approach to building synthetic data sets by combing AI/ML and our human knowledge of biology.
PoIS.4 Panel on Human Presence in Cislunar
MSO/DO(s): Eric H. Smith (Lockheed Martin Space, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: In the coming years, we will see a permanent human presence on and around the moon. The infrastructure, transportation, communications, mobility, space weather, and other investments and innovation will not be borne by commercial, academic, government, NGO, or any single organization or entity, but rather by a consortium. There are competing priorities that must be balanced in order to bring together the necessary funding and participation from groups worldwide to achieve a permanent human presence in Cislunar. In this panel we will hear from experts who will discuss the commercial, scientific, and environmental priorities in humankind’s journey to the moon and beyond, and strategies for achieving consensus and action.
Event Information: This session will include reports on recent COSPAR Panel on Planetary Protection (PPP) activities, planetary protection studies by scientists and agencies, and colloquia/workshops with relevance to planetary protection and in general and the COSPAR Policy and implementation guidelines. We will present and discuss the overall Policy perspective, as well as recent adaptations and updates of the Policy proposed by the PPP and validated by the COSPAR Bureau, as based on documented research and recent findings.
This session covers reports on the planetary protection implementation and status of launched, ongoing and planned missions. Focus will be placed on techniques, measures and procedures applied to spacecrafts, payloads and ground facilities to implement forward and backward planetary protection, in conjunction with the other PPP sessions. The session will also include discussions on lessons learnt from implementing planetary protection guidelines throughout mission and industrial organisations.
PPP.2 Planetary Protection Research and Development
MSO/DO(s): Petra Rettberg (DLR-Inst. of Aerospace Medicine, Germany), Alexander Mahnert (Medical University of Graz, Austria)
Organizing Committee:
Event Information: This session will feature comprehensive reports on the status and progress of planetary protection efforts across launched, ongoing, and planned missions. We will delve into the advanced techniques, methods, and procedures applied to spacecraft, payloads, and ground facilities to ensure robust forward and backward contamination prevention covering cultivation dependent, cultivation independent molecular methods, and new computational approaches. In addition, the session will foster rich discussions on the lessons learned from implementing planetary protection measures within both mission teams and industrial organizations.
PPP.3 The Future of Planetary Protection for Mars
MSO/DO(s): Gerhard Kminek (ESA, Netherlands), Karen Olsson-Francis (The Open University, UK), Niklas Hedman (COSPAR, Austria)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Over the next years and decades, the flavor of Mars exploration will change from a purely scientific robotic exploration to a mix of robotic and crewed scientific exploration and utilization. This would likely entail a larger number of orbital assets, including constellation- type missions for science, communication and navigation, and the landing of larger surface assets, including application of In-situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), deeper drilling, and more extended use of perennial heat sources. Whilst the objectives of forward and backward planetary protection remain the same - robotic and crew, single missions and constellations - the practical implementation of the basic planetary protection principles will have to take these changes into account for the upcoming missions going to Mars and for missions that return to Earth.
This session will focus on the underlying scientific knowledge and practical implementation of the planetary protection principles considering the expected change in exploring the red planet.The session will conclude with a round-table discussion.
PRBEM.1 Updating Tools and Standards Maintained by the Panel
MSO/DO(s): Paul O’Brien (The Aerospace Corporation, USA), Daniel Heynderickx (DH Consultancy, Belgium)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: PRBEM maintains file format and data model standards as well as the PRBEM code library (https:// github.com/PRBEM). This working session will include updates on the existing tools and documents as well as proposals for new tools and standards to be incorporated in or linked to the ones maintained by PRBEM.
PRBEM.2 Radiation Environment Observation across the Solar System
MSO/DO(s): Yoshizumi Miyoshi (Nagoya University, Japan), Pablo Caron (ONERA/DPHY, France)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Understanding the radiation environment throughout the solar system is essential for planetary science, space weather research, and the safe operation of spacecraft and human missions. This session invites contributions that address observational, theoretical, and modeling studies of radiation environments from Earth and planetary magnetospheres to interplanetary space and the lunar and Martian surfaces. We welcome submissions utilizing in-situ measurements from past and ongoing missions (such as Arase, Van Allen Probes, MAVEN, JUNO, and others), as well as recent developments in radiation monitors, remote sensing, data assimilation, and simulation-based approaches. Topics may include but are not limited to charged particle dynamics, solar energetic particles (SEPs), radiation belt structure and variability, and modeling of radiation effects for future exploration. Particular emphasis will be placed on cross-planetary comparisons and integrated approaches that enhance our systemlevel understanding of space radiation processes. We also encourage interdisciplinary studies that connect radiation observations to magnetospheric dynamics, heliospheric conditions, and planetary surface or atmospheric interactions.
PRBEM.3 Applied Numerical and Empirical Space Radiation Models
MSO/DO(s): Dedong Wang (DFZ, Germany), Yihua Zheng (NASA GSFC, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: This session focuses on the development, validation, and application of numerical and empirical models for characterizing space radiation environments across a broad range of orbital and interplanetary conditions. Space radiation poses a significant hazard to spacecraft systems, instrumentation, and human health. Accurate modeling is essential for mission planning, risk assessment, and real-time operational decision-making. We invite contributions that address recent advancements in radiation environment modeling, including radiation belts, galactic cosmic rays (GCR), and solar energetic particles (SEP). Emphasis is placed on models that are applied in practice-whether for spacecraft design, mission planning, or radiation forecasting-and on the integration of physicsbased simulations with observational data and machine learning approaches. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
• Development and updates of empirical and physics-based radiation models
• Model benchmarking and validation using in-situ measurements
• Real-time and predictive modeling of radiation exposure
• Applications in manned and unmanned mission design
• Uncertainty quantification and model limitations
• Data assimilation and hybrid modeling approaches
This session aims to bring together researchers, model developers, and end-users from academia, industry, and space agencies to discuss practical challenges, share methodologies, and foster collaboration in the evolving field of space radiation modeling.
PSB.1 Scientific Ballooning: Recent Developments in Technology and Instrumentation
MSO/DO(s): Vincent Dubourg (CNES, France), Paolo Marzioli (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy)
Organizing Committee: Tetsuya Yoshida (JAXA-ISAS, Japan), Mark Pierce (KTH, Sweden), Hideyuki Fuke (JAXA-ISAS, Japan), Matthias Abrahamsson (SSC, Sweden), Edward Udinski (NASA, USA)
Event Information: Balloons are used in scientific research in the fields of astrophysics, solar and space physics, planetary and earth sciences and atmospheric science. They are designed and operated for a wide variety of mission types. They are sustainable systems that drift in the troposphere, in the lowermost or medium stratosphere for a duration ranging from hours to months, carrying payloads up to a couple of tons.
A research mission can be accomplished in a single or multiple coordinated balloon flights. As an example, a mission can be designed to test innovative space borne instruments or to complement space-borne systems, and to calibrate and validate satellite instrument by in-situ measurements in the atmospheric science field. It can also be designed as a self-standing experiment, taking benefit of the unique capabilities of the balloon flight profiles. The balloon borne experiments benefit from new technologies in the area of instrumentation, in particular on the aspects of miniaturization, as well as from the advances in the balloon system design. A dialog between scientists and balloon system designers is very helpful. One of the main goals of this panel is to help advance this dialog.
The panel is organized according to the following topics:
1. Presentation of national programs.
2. Mission concepts (Earth and planetary).
3. Scientific Instruments.
4. Balloon system design, analysis and performance.
5. Gondola design, service systems, experiment bus technologies.
6. Balloons for professional Atmospheric science and Astrophysics.
7. Public outreach and education of new generation of scientists.
PSD.1 Satellite Dynamics: New Developments and Challenges for Earth and Solar System Sciences
MSO/DO(s): Adrian Jäggi (Astronomical Institute, University of Bern, Switzerland), Francesco Topputo (Politecnico di Milano, Italy)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: The aim of the Panel on Satellite Dynamics is to support activities related to the detailed description
of the motion of artificial celestial bodies. This goal should be achieved by improving the current theories of motion and by evaluating their determining forces in a more sophisticated way. Detailed theoretical understanding of the dynamics of satellites should coincide with the results of precise tracking in order to obtain the most precise knowledge possible of the orbit and the corresponding orbital positions.
The scope of the Panel on Satellite Dynamics entails the positioning of a wide range of objects in space, including Earth orbiting satellites for Earth observation such as GRACE-FO, Swarm, Jason series, the Copernicus Sentinels, the future co-location in space mission Genesis and next generation gravity missions, and navigation satellite systems such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS or tracking systems such as SLR and DORIS. In addition, positioning plays an important role in the success of the continuously growing number of today’s and tomorrow’s missions to explore the Solar System. Recent and future missions have to deal with complex trajectories and innovative propulsion and breaking techniques to visit multiple bodies (e.g., Cassini, Dawn, JUICE), small unconventional bodies (e.g., Hera, OSIRIS-REx, Lucy), and harsh and unknown environmental conditions challenging our technical capabilities (e.g., Messenger, Venus Express, BepiColombo, JUNO). Both advances in the modeling of spacecraft dynamics and the theoretical understanding of space observables (e.g., range, Doppler, VLBI, optical) are required to allow for a more efficient exploration and a deeper understanding of our Solar System.
Limiting errors in Precise Orbit Determination (solar radiation pressure, time variable gravity fields, phase center corrections, attitude variations, etc...) are of critical interest for many stakeholders. Moreover, formations of satellites are being realized and proposed for Earth observation and fundamental sciences, that impose very severe constraints on (relative) positioning and orbit and attitude control solutions (e.g. micro-propulsion). Mini-satellites and cubesats also represent a new frontier for both Earth and planetary exploration, posing new challenges as well as new opportunities. Satellite orbit determination requires the availability of tracking systems, well established reference frames and accurate station coordinate solutions, detailed force and satellite models, and high-precision time and frequency standards. Contributions covering all recent developments and plans in ground, satellite or probe positioning and navigation are solicited as well as contributions on current progress on establishment, maintenance and improvement of reference systems in Geo- and planetary sciences.
PSD.2 Genesis
MSO/DO(s): Urs Hugentobler (Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Germany), Krzysztof Sośnica (Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Poland)
Organizing Committee: Johannes Boehm (Technical University of Vienna, Austria), Krzysztof Sośnica (Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Poland)
Event Information: Genesis is a mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) approved for launch in 2028. It realizes all major space ties on a satellite in a near-polar orbit at about 6000 km altitude, connecting two GNSS antennas connected to a common receiver, an SLR retroreflector, a DORIS receiver and a dedicated VLBI transmitter. The ESA mission Genesis will provide well-calibrated space ties for all space geodetic techniques, GNSS, SLR, VLBI, DORIS, benefiting the realization of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame and supporting the goal to achieve a reference frame precision of 1mm and stability of 0.1mm/yr, revealing inconsistencies between techniques. The consistent ITRF realization with Genesis-based space ties and precise orbit determination based on all space geodetic techniques require the development of new processing and combination strategies. In preparation of the Genesis mission this session aims to discuss the status, scientific opportunities and challenges of the exploitation of the mission. Contributions are solicited from, but not limited to, the following areas: (1) status of the mission and the instruments onboard, (2) calibration strategies, (3) scenarios for the utilization of Genesis including new scientific opportunities,
(4) observation strategies, (5) Genesis orbit modelling, (6) Genesis orbit determination using the different techniques, (7) combination at the observation level and other combination strategies, (8) experiences with exploitation of already available space ties on current satellite missions, (9) simulation studies on impact of Genesis, (10) future ITRF realizations using new types of observations.
PSW.1 Advances in Space-Weather Capabilities Assessment and R2O2R
MSO/DO(s): Alexi Glover (ESA, France), Eric Adamson (NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: In developing and providing space weather services, clear understanding of the expected performance of those services, including their constituent components is essential.
Validation and verification of space weather capabilities is being addressed by numerous international activities, but as yet a community-wide consensus on how to address this at different stages of the R2O2R process, for the wide range of space weather capabilities required has not been reached. This event encourages dialogue between modellers, application developers and service providers in order to review current performance assessment activities and available tools, to build upon successes, to identify challenges, and to further develop community strategy, supported by actions, for continuous assessment of space weather predictive capabilities as highlighted in the COSPAR Space Weather Roadmap. Presentations focusing on capability assessments are encouraged as are all presentations addressing both coordinated validation frameworks and individual case studies.
This event will also include a discussion panel focussing on related recommendations presented as part of the COSPAR Space Weather Roadmap as they apply to tools and techniques to characterise progress towards operational readiness and on enabling feedback from operations to the research domain.
PSW.2 Space Weather at Planetary Bodies in the Solar System
MSO/DO(s): Insoo Jun (NASA JPL, USA), Junjie Chen (China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, CAS, China)
Organizing Committee: Christina Plainaki (MPS, Germany) Rok-Soon Kim (KASI, Korea)
Event Information: Significant perturbations of particle fluxes and electromagnetic fields throughout the solar system are known as space weather effects. Being able to predict the propagation of such effects and their impacts on various planetary environments, and to design missions around the study of these effects, is crucial for successful planetary explorations. We invite descriptions of space weather effect measurements in interplanetary space or planetary environments, as well as models, comparisons, and methods that aid in understanding the fundamental plasma processes and improving predictions. Moreover, we welcome the presentations that explore how the space weather environment at solar system bodies affects the design criteria for instruments and missions in exploratory programs. In addition, we also encourage presentations that examine the topic of planetary space weather in the context of COSPAR space weather roadmap development.
PSW.3 Forecasting Ionospheric Perturbations Described by Indices at Low, Mid, and High Latitudes
MSO/DO(s): Norbert Jakowski (DLR, Germany), Tim Fuller-Rowell (University of Colorado, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Ionospheric perturbations and irregularities covering a wide range of spatial and temporal scales play an important role in the operation of space-based radio systems such as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) or remote sensing radars. Customers of these systems are interested and dependent on the accuracy of forecasts of the occurrence of ionospheric perturbations. In particular, they require estimation of the type (temporal, spatial scale), the strength and temporal development of the perturbation. These perturbations and irregularities can arise from forcing from the low atmosphere or from the influence of solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field interaction with the plasma environment of the earth. Coordinated studies as already initiated by the ISWAT G2B-04 group, are providing new insights in the generation and propagation of ionospheric perturbations impacting these trans-ionospheric radio wave customers. Of particular interest and focus for the session is to explore our capability to forecast ionospheric indices, the design of a new trans-ionospheric radio wave scale that has been broadly discussed in former PSW.3 sessions, and eventually to forecast the magnitude of a new space weather scale. The session will also take advantage of recent achievements of other ISWAT ionospheric teams.
Event Information: Given the great variety and complexity of heliophysics and space weather data, it is a challenge for researchers to become sufficiently versed in the resources across different domains in order to find, access, and use those resources independently and correctly. Hence, the Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability and Reusability (FAIR) principles for scientific data management and stewardship may offer a good approach to enable effective and efficient utilization of all the available resources by a broad space weather community. The adoption of FAIR principles and the pursuit of user broadening are some of the reasons why the space weather and heliophysics communities have embraced open science, as a community goal, supported by a UNESCO recommendation approved in 2021, as well as several international science organizations and agencies. We invite presentations about any initiative, standard or activities enhancing the use of FAIR principles and open science in the field of space weather in particular and heliophysics in general including but not restricting to: metadata models, metadata registries, data access protocols, software package repositories, machine learning ready datasets, science exploitation platforms or online simulation services.
PSW.5 International Space Weather Action Teams: Addressing Space-Weather Roadmap Recommendations
MSO/DO(s): Mario M. Bisi (STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, UK), Maria Kuznetsova (NASA GSFC/Heliophysics Science Division, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Space weather is essentially the Sun’s influence and impact on our solar system. Earth impacts of space weather can have profound implications on infrastructures and technologies we reply upon for everyday living. In 2020, the COSPAR PSW and ISWAT Initiative set-upon the grand challenge of a multi-faceted update to the COSPAR-ILWS Space-Weather Roadmap (2015-2020), which, through the COVID-19 years, culminated in over five years of work by hundreds of space-weather researchers split across two Special Issues in the COSPAR’s Advances in Space Research journal.
This session will present a high-level summary of the community-driven COSPAR-PSW-ISWAT Space-Weather Roadmap, as completed, with the first Special Issue being published at the end of 2023 and the second Special Issue now being published in the middle of 2025. The session is envisaged to be a direct follow-up of the COSPAR ISWAT 2025 Working Meeting in February 2025 where the activities to initiate addressing the recommendations of the roadmap were commenced via the COSPAR ISWAT Initiative. This session welcomes any and all contributions across ISWAT Teams and Clusters, with an emphasis on where post-Roadmap work is being undertaken, and also contributions highlighting key areas of impact, opportunities, and collaborative-working, both within COSPAR, and more globally.
PSW.6 What are the Critical Parameters Required to Predict the Characteristics of Solar Energetic Particle Events?
MSO/DO(s): Kathryn Whitman (University of Houston, USA), Claudio Corti (NASA GSFC/USRA, University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Numerous solar energetic particle (SEP) forecasting models have been developed with a wide variety of approaches. Recent validation efforts, e.g. SEPVAL and the SEP Scoreboards, have demonstrated that SEP models show some skill at predicting SEP events on average but that models are not yet able to predict the characteristics of any given individual event with high fidelity. In other words, the current state-of-the-art tends to predict the average statistical SEP event associated with a certain set of triggers, whereas end-users need a prediction for THIS SEP event. This session asks which key physical parameters determine the unique characteristics for each SEP event? How do we capture the range of possibilities for a specific SEP event - likely, worst-case, and best-case outcomes? Which existing observations may improve predictive power but are not yet utilized in any schemes? How do solar wind structures in the inner heliosphere impact SEP outcomes? Are there certain conditions that are always or only present during extreme SEP events? What do human forecasters use to predict SEPs? We encourage talks about the predictive nature (or lack thereof) of available observations or physical conditions, as well as sensitivity studies of SEP forecasting models.
PSW.7 Towards Improved Coordination in Space Weather
Event Information: Space Weather affects our society irrespective of national boundaries. Furthermore, the monitoring of both the Solar precursors and the impacts on geospace and the Earth’s atmosphere and surface, involves sensors deployed and operated on a global scale. Therefore, a globally efficient operation of the monitoring infrastructure requires global international cooperation and coordination of both ground-based and space-based instruments.
Likewise, modelling and scientific research benefit from global cooperation and exchange of knowledge and data. This session invites contributions addressing current and future international coordination and cooperation efforts in all areas related to Space Weather such as monitoring infrastructure, modelling, fundamental scientific research, service development and operation, data sharing and interoperability. Examples of bilateral, multilateral, regional and global cooperation, both in the form of projects and international organizations frameworks, will be presented with an aim to discuss lessons learned and paths forward.
PSW.8 Ground-Based Observations/Measurements and Networks/Infrastructures for Space-Weather Purposes
MSO/DO(s): Mario M. Bisi (STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, UK), Sarah Gibson (NCAR, USA)
Organizing Committee: TBA
Event Information: Space weather is essentially the Sun’s influence and impact on our solar system, and in terms of the Earth, it’s the influence and impact on our local Space environment all the way down through our atmosphere with connectivity into the ground. While space-based observations and measurements are undeniably important, groundbased observations and measurements also play a critical role in providing data on both space-weather phenomena, and their impacts. Of connected importance are ground-based networks and infrastructures critical for recording these data, and the models that rely on these data.
This session will explore all aspects of ground-based observation and measurement capabilities from the Sun to the ground, their data, the inputs into key space-weather modelling tools, and also the infrastructures and networks of instruments needed both for the advancement of space-weather science, as well as for the continued and enhanced monitoring and forecasting of space-weather events. In addition, this session should also include data and instrumentation capable of measuring the impacts of space weather such as scintillation in radio-communication signals or groundinduced currents (GICs) travelling through high-voltage electricity lines and into/through the connecting transformers.
PSW.9 International Space Weather Missions and Coordination: Current and Planned Missions
MSO/DO(s): Juha-Pekka Luntama (ESA, Germany), James Spann (NOAA/NESDIS, USA)
Organizing Committee: Joseph (Joe) Westlake (NASA, USA) Andrew (Andy) Monham (EU-METSAT, Germany)
Event Information: Our society and our daily activities are critically depending on applications and services that require space-based elements of the infrastructure and radio communication for their function. Space weather is a constant hazard that can have adverse impacts on both space- and ground-based critical infrastructure and severely disturb dependent services and applications. Space weather is also a hazard for human and robotic exploration of the Moon and other targets in our solar system. Finally, space weather is playing an important role in Space Traffic Coordination and safe operation of systems in space.
As we do not have means to control our space environment, our best protection against space weather and the best approach to mitigate the adverse impacts are provisions of timely, accurate and actionable space weather information, nowcasts and forecasts to the operators and users of critical infrastructure. Space weather service provision and advances in the underpinning science require comprehensive observation systems both in space and on ground. The aim of this session is to provide a forum for the developers and operators of space weather monitoring systems to
present the status of the existing sensors and missions, and the plans for future systems. In the previous very successful PSW.9 sessions in 2022 and 2024 the focus has been on space missions, but also the evolution and future of the groundbased observation systems is becoming increasingly important topic. Ground based and spaceborne space weather observations complement each other, and both are needed for global space weather monitoring. The presentations in the session are expected to promote discussion about how well the current and planned missions and groundbased sensors cover the needs of the data users and developers of predictive models and decision-making tools, what observations are missing and what new observations would facilitate scientific progress to make a significant improvement in space weather nowcasting and forecasting. We also want to foster discussion about how coordination of space weather monitoring can be improved globally. The session will welcome abstracts covering all types and sizes of space weather monitoring missions and systems including missions in place or being planned by the private industry. The mission and system plans presented in this session are foreseen to be closely linked with the objectives of the coming COSPAR Community-Driven Space Weather Roadmap.
PSW.10 Heliostories: Towards Solar Maximum - Comparative Studies of Great Storms
MSO/DO(s): Maria Kuznetsova (NASA GSFC/Heliophysics Science Division, USA), Manuela Temmer (Institute of Physics, University of Graz, Austria)
Organizing Committee: Yara De Leo (University of Graz, Austria; INAF OACT Catania, Italy), Eleanna Asvestari (University of Helsinki, Finland), Mateja Dumbovic (University of Zagreb, Croatia), Jingnan Guo (University of Science and Technology, China)
Event Information: Together, we aim to achieve a deeper understanding of each of the Great Solar Storms that occurred during Cycle 25 (e.g., November 2023, May 2024, October 2024, January 2025, etc.), and to compare their similarities and differences. Each of the presented studies will contribute a chapter to HelioStories within the growing field of heliophysics!
We invite studies focused on research from the Sun to geospace, connecting the many aspects of the Great Solar Storms and their impacts on Earth and other planets in our solar system. This covers the dynamics of the Sun, including solar flares, coronal mass ejections, solar wind, energetic particles, and their interactions with the heliosphere and planets, in detail how solar phenomena influence planetary magnetospheres, ionospheres, and atmospheres. Contributions from observations and models are welcome. Together, we aim to unravel the impacts of Great Solar Storms across our solar system and to build community cohesion among all who feel connected to the field of heliophysics. We especially encourage COSPAR-iSWAT teams to present their work and to connect to other teams in an interdisciplinary manner.
PSW.11 Enhancing Space Weather Forecasting and Mitigation: Approaches and Real-time Impact Assessment
MSO/DO(s): Judith de Patoul (Royal Observatory of Belgium, Belgium)
Organizing Committee: Veronika Haberle (GeoSphere, Austria), Balazs Asztalos (Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary), Mpho Tshisaphungo (SANSA, South Africa), Krista Hammond (Met Office, UK), Christine Verbeke (KU Leuven, Belgium, NASA GSFC, USA)
Event Information: This session aims to foster a dynamic exchange of knowledge and ideas, promoting collaboration among researchers, space weather operators, forecasters, and industry professionals to enhance our collective ability
to analyze, predict, and mitigate space weather impacts. As society increasingly depends o n satellite operations, communication systems, power grids, navigation, and aviation, accurate and timely forecasts are crucial to safeguarding critical infrastructure. We invite presentations addressing current challenges and innovative solutions in real-time assessment, predictive forecasting, practical impact measurement, integration of new technologies, and case studies demonstrating effective mitigation strategies during significant space weather events.
Key discussion points include:
• Operational deployment of forecasting tools: Real-time impact assessments and metrics to evaluate forecasting performance, readiness, and accuracy from the perspective of diverse stakeholders.
• Innovative methodologies: Advances in modeling techniques, cross-domain data fusion, AI- driven nowcasting, and predictive forecasting systems tailored for practical, user-oriented decision-making.
• Case studies and lessons learned: Analysis of recent impactful space weather events, such as the May 2024 storm, emphasizing successful mitigation strategies, challenges faced, and recommendations for improved future responses.
• Effective dissemination and stakeholder engagement: Methods for timely and clear communication, setting meaningful alert thresholds, and ensuring information is actionable and relevant to end-user needs. Through these discussions, the session aims to accelerate innovation, strengthen cooperation, and enhance resilience, ultimately improving societal preparedness and responsiveness to space weather phenomena.
TGIGSP.1
Ground-Based Observations/Measurements and
Networks/Infra-structures
for Space-Weather Purposes
MSO/DO(s): Larry Kepko (NASA GSFC, USA), Rumi Nakamura (Austrian Academy of Sciences, Austria)
Organizing Committee: Larry Kepko (NASA GSFC), Rumi Nakamura (IWF, Austria)
Event Information: Heliophysics is an umbrella term that encompasses a broad range of scientific disciplines under a common science theme of understanding the Sun and its effects throughout the Solar System, and includes an applied research branch, called space weather. In the same way that astrophysics is the science of the domain of the stars, heliophysics is the science of the domain of the sun. Heliophysics has evolved to meet the challenges posed by our technological society living with a volatile star, and has unified the distinct scientific disciplines of solar physics, space plasma physics, and aeronomy, under a common umbrella of scientific inquiry. It covers an incredible range of scales, from plasma physics at the electron scale to the boundary that separates our solar system from interstellar space. The components of Heliophysics sit at the boundaries of Earth science, Planetary science, and Astrophysics: Aeronomy at the boundary of our atmosphere and space; Solar physics at the boundary of the sun and interplanetary space; Heliospheric science at the boundaries of the solar wind and planets, and at the boundary of our solar system and interstellar space. Space plasma physics, the science of how ionized and partially ionized plasmas behave in the presence of electromagnetic fields, undergirds the field. The influences of the Sun through Space Weather impacts all of humanity, both at home on Earth and during humanity’s journey of exploration through the Solar System, including the continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit, and expanding to the Moon, Mars, and throughout the Solar System. Motivated by a desire to establish a unified worldwide Heliophysics discipline, the COSPAR Task Group on Establishing an International Geospace Systems Program (TGIGSP) has worked the last few years to achieve this goal and has developed the “Heliophysics Principles” document. In this forum we discuss the “Heliophysics Principles” document, which has primary goals of establishing community best practices, including open data, open science, and unified data standards, and establish an international Heliophysics working group, which would be a forum to share agency plans, identify research and measurement gaps, resolve overlapping efforts, and consider collaborative opportunities.
COSPAR Scientific Commission (SC), Panel, and Task Group (TG) Structure
SC A on Space Studies of the Earth's Surface, Meteorology and Climate
Chair: Jérôme Benveniste (France)
Vice-Chair: Erick Lansard (Singapore)
• Task Group on GEO (TG GEO)
Sub-Commission A1 on Atmosphere (incl. Troposphere and Stratosphere), Meteorology and Climate
Sub-Commission A2 on Ocean Dynamics, Productivity, and the Cryosphere
Sub-Commission A3 on Land Processes and Morphology
SC B on Space Studies of the Earth-Moon System, Planets, and Small Bodies of the Solar System
Chair: Hajime Yano (Japan)
Vice-Chairs: Bernard Foing (Netherlands), Rosaly Lopes (USA)
Sub-Commission B1 on Small Bodies
Sub-Commission B2 on International Coordination of Space Techniques for Geodesy - a joint Sub-Commission with IUGG/IAG Commission I on Reference Frames
Sub-Commission B3 on The Moon
Sub-Commission B4 on Terrestrial Planets
Sub-Commission B5 on Outer Planets and Satellites
Sub-Commission B6/E4 on Exoplanets Detection, Characterization and Modelling
SC C on Space Studies of the Upper Atmospheres of the Earth and Planets, Including Reference Atmospheres
Chair: Duggirala Pallamraju (India)
Vice-Chairs: Paolo Fagundes (Brazil), David Themens (United Kingdom), Erdal Yigit (USA)
Sub-Commission C1 on the Earth’s Upper Atmosphere and Ionosphere
Sub-Commission C2 on the Earth's Middle Atmosphere and Lower Ionosphere
Sub-Commission C3 on Planetary Atmospheres and Aeronomy
• Task Group on Reference Atmospheres of Planets and Satellites (RAPS)
• URSI/COSPAR Task Group on the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI)
• COSPAR/URSI Task Group on Reference Atmospheres, including ISO WG4 (CIRA)
Sub-Commission C5/D4 on Theory and Observations of Active Experiments
SC D
on
Space Plasmas in the Solar System, Including Planetary Magnetospheres
Chair: Nicole Vilmer (France)
Vice-Chairs: Agnieszka Gil-Swiderska (Poland), Jie Zhang (USA)
Sub-Commission D1 on the Heliosphere
Sub-Commission D2/E3 on the Transition from the Sun to the Heliosphere
Sub-Commission D3 on Magnetospheres
Sub-Commission C5/D4 on Theory and Observations of Active Experiments
Vice-Chairs: Bernard Foing (Netherlands), Chris McKay (USA), Frances Westall (France)
(PIR) Panel on Interstellar Research
Chair: Pontus Brandt (USA)
Vice-Chair: Stas Barabash (Sweden), Elena Provornikova (USA)
(PoIS) Panel on Innovative Solutions
Chair: Eric H. Smith (USA)
Vice-Chairs: George Danos (Cyprus)
(PIDEA) Panel on IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility)
Chair: Luisella Giulicchi (ESA/ESTEC)
Vice-Chair: TBD
(PCSS) Panel on the Establishment of a Constellation of Small Satellites
Chair: Daniel Baker (USA)
Vice-Chairs: Amal Chandran (USA)
(PMLDS) Panel on Machine Learning and Data Sciences
Chair: Yuri Shprits (Germany)
Vice-Chairs: TBD
(PECISS) Panel on Early Careers and International Space Societies
Chair: Mary Snitch (USA)
Vice-Chairs: TBD
(TGIGSP) Task Group on Establishing an International Geospace Systems Program
Chair: Larry Kepko (USA)
Vice-Chairs: Rumi Nakamura (Austria), Yoshi Saito (Japan)
COSPAR Scientific Assembly Associated Events
As in past years, a variety of organizations will plan scientific, business, and/or social events around the COSPAR Scientific Assembly. COSPAR encourages organizations planning such events to make them known to the Secretariat before mid-April 2026 so that if appropriate they can be referenced on the Scientific Assembly webpage, app, and/or in the program book.
IAA Day
The International Academy of Astronautics will host its regular Academy Day at the COSPAR Scientific Assembly on Saturday, 1 August 2026, 9:30 – 16:00. Updates on current Academy activities will be provided by IAA leaders. The highlight of Academy Day however will be a technical program comprised of four or five invited lectures on the latest results from Earth and space science research. Featured lectures will be presented by renowned scientists in the respective fields of space science including astronomy, Earth science, heliophysics, and planetary science. Lectures will be tailored for a scientifically savvy audience most of whom are not experts in the particular field of the specific lectures. Details will be posted in spring 2026.
COSPAR and Joint Awards and Medals
Anyone may submit a nomination.
See the specific instructions below under each category of award or https://cosparhq.cnes.fr/awards
COSPAR Space Science Award
The COSPAR Award honours a scientist who has made outstanding contributions to space science. All scientists working in any field covered by COSPAR are eligible for this award.
Previous recipients:
2024 - Rosine Lallement
2022 - James W. Head, III
2022 - Alan Title
2020 - William J. Borucki
2020 - Ken McCracken
2018 - Jean-Pierre Bibring
2018 - Bruce T. Tsurutani
2016 - Charles L. Bennett
2016 - Anatoly I. Grigoriev
2014 - David J. McComas
2014 - Jean-Loup Puget
2012 - Janet Luhmann
2010 - Günther Hasinger
2010 - Steven W. Squyres
2008 - George Gloeckler
2008 - Ken Pounds
2006 - Eberhard Gruen
2006 - Atsuhiro Nishida
2004 - Jacques E. Blamont
2004 - Vasily I. Moroz
2002 - Stamatios M. Krimigis
2002 - Christopher T. Russell
2000 - Roger M. Bonnet
2000 - Donald M. Hunten
COSPAR International Cooperation Medal
1998 - Catherine Cesarsky
1998 - Marcia Neugebauer
1996 - Norman F. Ness
1996 - Minoru Oda
1994 - Gerhard Haerendel
1994 - Joachim E. Trumper
1992 - Edward C. Stone Jr.
1990 - John A. Simpson
1988 - Konstantin I. Gringauz
1988 - S.L. Mandelshtam
1986 - Ludwig F. Biermann
1984 - James A. Van Allen
This medal is awarded to a scientist who has made distinguished contributions to space science and whose work has contributed significantly to the promotion of international scientific cooperation. All scientists working in any field covered by COSPAR are eligible for this medal. This medal may also be awarded to a group of scientists.
Previous recipients:
2024 - Dieter Bilitza
2022 - WU Ji
2020 - John Z. Kiss & F. Javier Medina
2018 - Stas Barabash
2016 - Lev Zelenyi
2014 - Carlé McGetchin Pieters
2012 - Roger-Maurice Bonnet
2010 - Lee-Lueng Fu & Yves Ménard
2008 - Marvin A. Geller
2006 - Raymond A. Greenwald
2004 - Stephen S. Holt
2002 - Andre Brack
2000 - John H. Carver
1998 - Reimar Lüst
1996 - Anatoli I. Grigoriev
1994 - Ranjan R. Daniel
1992 - Hubert Curien
1990 - Bengt Hultqvist
1988 - Cornelis de Jager
1986 - The Inter-Agency Consultative Group
1984 - Roald Z. Sagdeev
COSPAR William Nordberg Medal
This medal commemorates the work of the late William Nordberg and is awarded to a scientist who has made a distinguished contribution to the application of space science in a field covered by COSPAR.
Previous recipients:
2024 - Matt Griffin
2024 – Kanako Seki
2022 - Gerda Horneck
2022 - Joyce E. Penner
2020 - Daniel J. McCleese
2018 - Christoph Reigber
2016 - Gordon Greeley Shepherd
2014 - Mikhail Ya. Marov
2012 - Herbert Fischer
2010 - Kuo-Nan Liou
2008 - Joe Waters
2006 - John P. Burrows
2004 - Louis J. Lanzerotti
2002 - Moustafa Chahine
2000 - Kenichi Ijiri
1998 - Anne M. Thompson
1996 - Charles Elachi
1994 - Pierre Morel
1992 - John Theodore Houghton
1990 - Desmond G. King-Hele
1988 - S. Ichtiaque Rasool
Nominations for the three awards above must be signed or endorsed by a COSPAR Bureau member, a representative of a COSPAR National or Scientific Union member, a member of the COSPAR Scientific Advisory Committee, a COSPAR Scientific Commission or Panel chair or vice-chair, or by a previous recipient of the honour.
COSPAR Distinguished Service Medal
This medal recognizes extraordinary services rendered to COSPAR over many years.
Previous recipients:
2024 - Gerhard Kminek
2022 - Willem Hermsen
2020 - Jean-Louis Fellous
2018 - Mariano Méndez
2016 - David Halpern
2012 - Peter Willmore
2010 - Margaret (Peggy) Ann Shea
2008 - Isaac Révah
Nominations must be signed by a member of the COSPAR Bureau.
2000 - Stanislaw Grzedzielski
1996 - Richard C. Hart
1994 - Antal J. Somogyi
1993 - Jean-François Denisse
1992 - Zdzislaw Niemirowicz
Nominations for the four awards listed above will be considered by an Awards Committee appointed by the COSPAR Bureau. After considering the recommendations of the Awards Committee, the Bureau will make a final selection.
Vikram Sarabhai Medal
This medal is awarded by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and COSPAR in honour of Vikram Sarabhai, considered one of the architects of modern India. The medal is awarded for outstanding contributions to space research in developing countries. For a candidate to be eligible for this award, her or his relevant work must have been carried out mainly in the five-year period ending one year before the COSPAR Scientific Assembly at which the medal is to be presented. This medal is open to candidates from any country.
Previous recipients:
2024 - Anil Bhardwaj
2022 - Christine Amory-Mazaudier
2020 - Alexi Glover
2018 - Qiugang Zong
2016 - Kohei Arai
2014 - Gurbax Singh Lakhina
2012 - Rafael Navarro-Gonzalez
2010 - Zuyin Pu
2008 - Mangalathayil A. Abdu
2006 - Marcos E. Machado
2004 - Peter Willmore
2002 - Ronglan Xu
2000 - Zhen-Xing Liu
1998 - D. James Baker
1996 - U.R. Rao
1994 - Jacques E. Blamont
1992 - C.-Y. Tu
1990 - Vladimir A. Kotelnikov
Jeoujang Jaw Award
The Jeoujang Jaw Award, bestowed jointly by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and COSPAR, recognizes scientists who have made distinguished pioneering contributions to promoting space research, establishing new space science research branches and founding new exploration programs.
Previous recipients:
2024 - Daniel Baker
2022 - No award
2020 - Wing-Huen Ip
2018 - Sergey K. Krikalev
2016 - Cheng Fang
2014 - Professor Sir Martin Sweeting FRS
2012 - Robert P. Lin
2010 - Calvin T. Swift
2008 - James L. Burch
Nominations for joint awards will be reviewed by the COSPAR Awards Committee. The Bureau will submit a short list of candidates, in order of preference, to the relevant Academy or Agency stating the total number of candidates and explaining the reasons for ordering the list as presented.
Nominations for joint awards must be signed or endorsed by a COSPAR Bureau member, a representative of a COSPAR National or Scientific Union member, a member of the COSPAR Scientific Advisory Committee, a COSPAR Scientific Commission or Panel chair or vice-chair, a member of the sponsoring Academy or Agency, or by a previous recipient of the honour.
Nominations for all COSPAR and joint awards, except the Outstanding Paper Award, shall consist of:
• a filled in nomination form signed or endorsed by a person authorized to nominate,
• a curriculum vitae with a general description of the space research activity of the nominee, and
• a list of significant, selected publications, not more than about 25. The publications most relevant to the award should be clearly identified.
All nominations must reach the COSPAR Secretariat no later than end November of the calendar year preceding the Scientific Assembly, i.e., 30 November 2025 for the Assembly to be held in 2026.
Further information and the nomination form are available at: https://cosparhq.cnes.fr/awards
COSPAR Outstanding Paper Award for Young Scientists
Candidate authors must be under 31 years of age at the time the manuscript is submitted for publication in Advances in Space Research or Life Sciences in Space Research. Candidates must be a first author, although multiple author papers are eligible. Authors of papers resulting from general submissions are eligible.
See the COSPAR website for recipients from specific years: https://cosparhq.cnes.fr/awards/outstanding-paper-award/
The Publications Committee, based on the lists of recommended authors from the Editors-in-Chief, will recommend recipients for the Award to the Bureau which will take the final decision on attribution of the awards.
Publication of Papers Resulting from Scientific Assembly Presentations
COSPAR encourages the publication of full papers resulting from presentations made at Scientific Assemblies and Symposia in COSPAR's flagship journals Advances in Space Research (ASR) and Life Sciences in Space Sciences (LSSR).
Instructions for Submission of Manuscripts to Advances in Space Research and Life Sciences in Space Research
Advances in Space Research (ASR) and Life Sciences in Space Research (LSSR) are the flagship journals for the COSPAR community. ASR and LSSR are indexed in ISI Web of Science and Scopus, and LSSR is also indexed in PubMed. Both journals are completely open to appropriate submissions from the scientific community, and individuals making presentations at COSPAR Scientific Assemblies are encouraged to submit their complete manuscripts to ASR and LSSR
There are no deadlines for the submission of papers, except for Special Issues. Manuscripts must be appropriate for refereeing and should be written in good English. Draft, incomplete or poorly written manuscripts will be returned without review.
While there are no publication charges or page limits, papers are expected to be of a length appropriate for the subject. Both journals also support OpenAccess, and a 30% discount is offered to meeting participants, as COSPAR Associates.
Manuscripts should be submitted electronically at: https://www.editorialmanager.com/aisr/default.aspx or https://www.editorialmanager.com/LSSR/default.aspx
Before you may submit a manuscript, you must first register on one of the websites listed above.
Guides for authors are available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/advances-inspace-research/publish/guide-for-authors and https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/life-sciences-inspace-research/publish/guide-for-authors
Authors will be asked when submitting manuscripts to ASR to select an appropriate category from among the following for their paper (if not for an approved Special Issue): Astrophysics; Solar System Bodies; Earth Sciences; Earth Magnetosphere and Upper Magnetosphere; Solar and Heliospheric Physics; Fundamental Physics and Material Sciences in Space; Astrodynamics and Space Debris; and Space Technology, Policy and Education. For LSSR, please select from the following categories: Astrobiology; Habitability and Life Support; Space Radiation measurement and Detection; Radiation Environment, Biology and Health; and Gravitational Biology on Plant and Animals. All authors will also be asked to propose names of 3-5 potential reviewers. Accepted papers will be given a digital object identifier (DOI) shortly after acceptance and appear in an electronic version on Science Direct, i.e. they may be cited before being printed. Elsevier supports OpenAccess as well as electronic supplements.
Scientists, engineers, and mission planners with manuscripts appropriate for ASR and LSSR are invited to submit their papers to the Elsevier editorial system for ASR and for LSSR at any time throughout the year. The journals cover all disciplines of space research.
Questions on submission procedures should be directed to the ASR Editor-in-Chief (Pascal Willis, pascal.willis.17@ gmail.com), the LSSR Editor-in-Chief (Tom Hei, tkh1@ cumc.columbia.edu) or any of the co-editors or associate editors, many of whom are present at Scientific Assemblies and Symposia.
COSPAR Capacity Building Program Call for Workshop Proposals
An important COSPAR activity is the Committee’s Capacity Building Program, which consists of about 3-5 training workshops for young space scientists in developing countries each year, together with a related scheme of 5-10 COSPAR fellowships each year. Substantial grants are available for each supported workshop.
All COSPAR Associates may make proposals for workshops, from which a selection is made by the Panel on Capacity Building. Selection rounds occur annually, including all the proposals received by March 15th of any given year, although proposals received later may be also considered if there are good reasons for it. COSPAR Scientific Assemblies and Symposia present ideal opportunities for participants, Scientific Commissions, and Panels to generate ideas and proposals.
Full details of this program may be found at: https://cosparhq.cnes.fr/events/cospar-capacity-building-workshops/
The program objectives are quite specific and it is important that proposals should be consistent with them. The description of the program includes information on the selection criteria.
Proposals may be submitted at any time to the Chair of the Panel for Capacity Building, Dr. Juan Carlos Gabriel
COSPAR – Committee on Space Research
Furthering research, exploration, and the peaceful use of outer space through international cooperation
COSPAR was established by the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU), now the International Science Council (ISC), in October 1958 to continue the cooperative programmes of rocket and satellite research successfully undertaken during the International Geophysical Year of 1957-1958. The ICSU resolution creating COSPAR stated that its primary purpose was to "provide the world scientific community with the means whereby it may exploit the possibilities of satellites and space probes of all kinds for scientific purposes, and exchange the resulting data on a cooperative basis".
Accordingly, COSPAR is an interdisciplinary scientific organization concerned with the promotion and progress, on an international scale, of all kinds of scientific research carried out with space vehicles, rockets and balloons. COSPAR’s objectives are carried out by the international community of scientists working through ISC and its adhering National Academies and International Scientific Unions. Operating under the rules of ISC, COSPAR considers all questions solely from the scientific viewpoint and takes no account of political considerations.
Composition of COSPAR
COSPAR Members are National Scientific Institutions, as defined by ISC, actively engaged in space research and International Scientific Unions federated in ISC which desire membership. The COSPAR Bureau manages the activities of the Committee on a day-to-day basis for the Council – COSPAR’s principal body – which comprises COSPAR’s President, one official representative of each Member National Scientific Institution and International Scientific Union, the Chairs of COSPAR Scientific Commissions, and the Finance Committee Chair.
COSPAR also recognizes as Associates individual scientists taking part in its activities and, as Associated Supporters, public or private organizations or individuals wishing to support COSPAR’s activities. Current members in this category are Airbus Defence and Space SAS, Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM), Germany; China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), China; China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), China; Groupement des Industries Françaises Aéronautiques et Spatiales (GIFAS), France; the International Space Science Institute (ISSI), Switzerland; Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd., S. Korea, L3Harris, USA; United Launch Alliance, USA.
COSPAR also has an Industry Partner programme to encourage strategic engagement with relevant industries who wish to be involved in the activities of COSPAR and support its mission.
The current Industry Partner is Lockheed Martin Corporation , USA.
COSPAR Bureau (2022-2026)
President: P. Ehrenfreund (Netherlands/USA)
Vice Presidents: C. Cesarsky (France), P. Ubertini (Italy)
Other Members: V. Angelopoulos (USA), M. Fujimoto (Japan), M. Grande (UK), P. Rettberg (Germany), I. Stanislawska (Poland), C. Wang (China)
COSPAR Finance Committee (2022-2026)
Chair: I. Cairns (Australia)
Members: C. Mandrini (Argentina), J.-P. St Maurice (Canada)
COSPAR Publications Committee
Chair: P. Ubertini (Italy)
Ex Officio: P. Ehrenfreund (Netherlands/USA), J.-C. Worms (France), R.A. Harrison (UK), T. Hei (USA), M. Shea (USA), P. Willis (France)
Other Members: A. Bazzano (Italy), M. Klimenko (Russia), G. Reitz (Germany), M. Story (USA), P. Visser (Netherlands)
COSPAR Secretariat
Executive Director: J.-C. Worms
Associate Director: A. Janofsky
Administrative Coordinator: L. Fergus Swan
Accountant: A. Stepniak
COSPAR Secretariat, c/o CNES, 2 place Maurice Quentin
75039 Paris Cedex 01, France
E-mail: cospar@cosparhq.cnes.fr
Web: https://cosparhq.world
Visit the website for details of COSPAR governance
••• Chairs & Vice-Chairs of COSPAR SCIENTIFIC COMMISSIONS
••• J. Benveniste (France, Chair)
E. Lansard (Singapore)
SC A on Space Studies of the Earth's Surface, Meteorology and Climate
••• D. Pallamraju (India, Chair)
P.R. Fagundes (Brazil),
D. Themens (UK),
E. Yigit (USA)
••• H. Yano (Japan; Chair)
B. Foing (Netherlands), R. Lopes (USA)
SC B on Space Studies of the Earth-Moon System, Planets, and Small Bodies of the Solar System
SC C on Space Studies of the Upper Atmospheres of the Earth and Planets, Including Reference Atmospheres
••• I. Papadakis (Greece; Chair)
E. Churasov (Germany), B. Schmieder (France), W. Yu (China)
SC E on Research in Astrophysics from Space
••• N. Vilmer (France, Chair)
A. Gil-Swiderska (Poland), J. Zhang (USA)
SC D on Space Plasmas in the Solar System, Including Planetary Magnetospheres
••• T.K. Hei (USA; Chair)
G. Baiocco (Italy), J. Kiss (Germany), P. Rettberg (Germany), Y. Sun (China)
SC F on Life Sciences as Related to Space
••• M. Avila (Germany; Chair)
K. Brinkert (UK),
K. Li (China)
J. Porter (Spain),
A. Romero-Calvo (USA)
SC G on Materials Sciences in Space
••• M. Rodrigues (France; Chair)
O. Bertolami (Portugal), S. Hermenn (Germany), P. McNamara (ESA/ESTEC)
SC H on Fundamental Physics in Space
••• Chairs & Vice-Chairs of COSPAR PANELS
••• J.C. Gabriel (Spain; Chair)
D. Altamirano (UK), J. Benvéniste (ESA), D. Bilitza (USA), M. C. Damas (USA), N. Kumar (India), D. Perrone (Italy), R. Smith (USA), M. Tshisaphungo (S. Africa)
(PCB) Capacity Building
••• D. Baker (USA; Chair)
A. Chandran (USA)
(PCSS) Establishing a Constellation of Small Satellites
••• R. Doran (Portugal; Chair)
S. Benitez Herrera (Spain), G. Rojas (Portugal)
(PE) Education
•••
C. Frueh (USA; Chair)
C. Pardini (Italy)
••• M. Snitch (USA; Chair)
TBD
(PECISS) Early Careers and International Space Societies
(PEDAS) Potentially Environmentally Detrimental Activities in Space
••• L. Giulicchi (ESA/ESTEC; Chair)
TBD
••• M. Blanc (France; Chair)
B. Foing (Netherlands), C. McKay (USA), F. Westall (France)
(PEX) Exploration
(PIDEA) Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Initiative
••• P. Brandt (USA; Chair)
S. Barabash (Sweden), E. Provornikova (USA) (PIR) Interstellar Research
••• Chairs & Vice-Chairs of COSPAR PANELS
••• Y. Shprits (Germany; Chair)
TBD
(PMLDS) Machine Learning and Data Science
••• Y. Miyoshi (Japan; Chair)
A. Brunet (France), Y. Shprits (Germany), Y. Zheng (USA)
(PRBEM) Radiation Belt Environment Modelling
••• A. Coustenis (France; Chair)
P. Doran (USA), N. Hedman (UNOOSA)
(PPP) Planetary Protection
••• A. Jäggi (Switzerland; Chair)
K. Sosnica, (Poland)
X. Mao (China), F. Topputo (Italy)
(PSD) Technical Panel on Satellite Dynamics
••• M. Abrahamsson (Sweden; Chair)
V. Dubourg (France), H. Fuke (Japan), E. Udinski (USA)
(PSB) Technical Problems Related to Scientific Ballooning
••• E.H. Smith (USA; Chair)
G. Danos (Cyprus)
(PoIS) Innovative Solutions
••• M. Bisi (UK; Chair)
J.E.R. Costa (Brazil), S. Gadimova (UNOOSA), N. Gopalswamy (USA), K. Yoon (S. Korea)
(PSW) Space Weather
••• Chairs of COSPAR JOINT TASK GROUPS (TG):
URSI/COSPAR Task Group on the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI)
Chair: Vladimir Truhlik (Czech Rep.), 2022–2026
COSPAR/URSI Task Group on Reference Atmospheres, including ISO WG4 (CIRA)
Chair: Sean Bruinsma (France), 2021–2024
Task Group on Reference Atmospheres of Planets and Satellites (RAPS)
Chair: Hilary Justh (USA), 2021–2024
Task Group on the GEO (TG GEO)
Chair: Suresh Vannan (USA), 2022–2026
Sub-Group on Radiation Belts (PCSS -SGRB)
Chair: Ji Wu (China), 2021–2025
Task Group on Establishing an International Geospace Systems Program (TGIGSP)
Chair: Larry Kepko (USA), 2021–2025
Advisory board: Committee on Industry Relations
Chair: Alison Nordt (Lockheed Martin, USA)
▶ You can find more information by clicking on the Task Groups names.
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