안녕하세요 ! (pronounced: ann-ay-ong hassay-oh)
Hello! Today we are privileged to have two Guest Editors. Let’s start with Hélène Boithias, Airbus representative to COSPAR. She writes: “On Monday 15th was held the first session of the Panel on Exploration (PEX-1), the session focusing on the unusual topic of Integrating Environmental Ethics on Planetary Exploration.
New for me as out of my domain of work, a very strong message “Co-create with local scientists the subject of researches addressing analog fields” from Alessandra Marino concerned ethical considerations for analog fieldwork. Indeed analog fields are often situated in the Southern hemisphere although the leading researchers are predominantly from the Northern one and with more financial means helping them towards more visibility through publications. The message goes beyond associating local scientists into the research. It is to co-create research topics with them making them equal partners.
“An urgent need to discuss necessary guidelines ensuring the sustainability of exploration to prevent turning the solar system into a new Wild West “, another key message coming from “Fly me (sustainably) to the Moon“ presented by COSPAR executive director Jean Claude Worms. A warning : even if plenty of actors are addressing sustainability of space exploration, we should not take that topic for granted. So there is an urgent need to gather all the concerned actors and seriously start a discussion about the necessary guidelines and regulatory frameworks in the cis-lunar region, and how to regulate the sustainability of space resources to enable the reasoned use of extraterrestrial resources.
As a representative of the private sector I indeed support that approach that would help protect industry from potential liability, also considering the earlier the guidelines are introduced in the development process of a mission, the easier they are to follow. PEX could play a major role on this topic, and I was happy to see the panel showing renewed dynamism thanks to the motivation of its newly nominated chairman Michel Blanc. Preparations for COSPAR 2026 in Florence have started !
Our second Guest Editor is Ms. Meiling Hu, currently working toward a PhD degree in control science and engineering with Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China. She says: “Today saw the 45th COSPAR Opening and Award Ceremony, bringing together students, young scientists, space agency leaders, and enthusiasts from around the globe. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as key figures in the space research community gathered to share insights, celebrate achievements, and forge global partnerships. Prior to the awards, participants attended an event on pioneering the future of space industry and research: notably, the Director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and CEOs of prominent Korean space technology companies delivered inspiring speeches, emphasizing the critical role of innovation and collaboration in advancing the space research sector.
The ceremony began with leaders from the Korean Aerospace Research Institute (KASI) delivering remarks that underscored Korea’s advancements in space research and extended a warm welcome to all participants. COSPAR President Pascale Ehrenfreund emphasized team spirit in space research.
In the subsequent roundtable of leaders from various space agencies, key topics included the necessity of international collaboration in achieving common goals, strategies for responsible exploration and sustainable resource utilization, and insights into upcoming projects that highlight the need for shared objectives to address global challenges. This dialogue fostered a spirit of cooperation and set the stage for future initiatives that will shape the landscape of space research. Today was all about creativity, teamwork, and diversity, and my ten-hour travel marathon to Busan was totally worth it!”
(Note: Don’t forget to send in any of your photos of Assembly events (to leigh.fergus – at – cosparhq.cnes.fr)–and please tag us on social media! Our hashtag is #COSPAR2024 )
