Busan, South Korea – The city of Busan is set to host the 45th Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Scientific Assembly, the largest international academic conference in the field of space science, from July 13 to 21, 2024. This marks the first time the event will be held in South Korea.
The conference, to be held at BEXCO, will see participation from over 3,000 space development researchers and key industry figures from more than 60 countries. The event, themed “Team Spirit in Space Research,” will include an opening ceremony, roundtable discussions with space agencies, invited and public lectures, exhibitions, and academic presentations.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for July 15 at 3 PM at the BEXCO Auditorium. It will be attended by notable figures, including the Mayor of Busan, the head of the Korean Space Agency, the chairman of COSPAR, the deputy administrator of NASA, and the president of the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute. The event will also feature a performance by the Busan City Dance Company, representing the city’s cultural heritage.
On July 14 at 3:30 PM, distinguished speakers will deliver lectures aimed at inspiring the next generation of space scientists and engaging the public with fascinating insights into space exploration. Speakers include Nobel Laureate Samuel Ting and NASA’s Mars Sample Return Program lead, Dr. Meenakshi Wadhwa. Additionally, Dr. Sim Chae Kyung from the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute and popular science YouTuber Gwedo will host a lunar science talk concert.
During the conference, an exhibition featuring cutting-edge space development research and technologies from over 40 global companies and institutions will be held. This exhibition is expected to invigorate the NewSpace sector, emphasizing private-sector-led space exploration. Key exhibitors include Korea Aerospace Industries, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, NASA, and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, the Republic of Korea Air Force’s Black Eagles aerobatic team will perform a special air show over Haeundae Beach on July 13 at 2:30 PM. Practice flights are scheduled for July 11, which may cause increased aircraft noise across Busan. Citizens will be notified via text messages.
Mayor Park Heong-joon expressed his anticipation for the event, stating that hosting the COSPAR Scientific Assembly in Busan will be an excellent opportunity to discuss international cooperation on the micro-ocean observation satellite project, BusanSat, with key space science figures like NASA’s Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. He also expressed hope for significant achievements in space science and sustainable futures.
COSPAR’s Scientific Assemblies, held every two years, serve as a major platform for the global exchange of scientific research in space, emphasizing collaboration and the sharing of results and ideas. The assemblies attract leading scientists and researchers, fostering international cooperation and advancements in space research. Recent assemblies have been held in locations such as Athens, Greece, and Sydney, Australia, each contributing to significant developments in the field.
