Space Researchers from Around the World Gather in Busan... Black Eagles to Perform

July 13-21 at BEXCO, Korea's First '45th Committee on Space Research Scientific Assembly'

Over 3,000 space development researchers and key industry figures from 60 countries to participate

Celebratory 'Black Eagles' air show at Haeundae Beach, July 13, 2:30 PM

The 45th Committee on SPAce Research (COSPAR) Scientific Assembly, the world's largest international academic conference in the field of space science, will be held for the first time in Korea at BEXCO in Busan from July 13 to 21, spanning nine days.

Poster of the 45th Committee on Space Research Scientific Assembly (COSPAR 2024).

The COSPAR Scientific Assembly is the largest academic event in the field of space science, attended by globally renowned space researchers and experts from space development agencies such as NASA, who gather to discuss the advancement of global space research as well as international peace and cooperation policies.

First held in London, UK, in 1958, the assembly has been held biennially in rotation across continents. This is the first time it will be hosted in Korea, having won the bid in 2021 over Shanghai, China, a competing country in Asia.

This assembly, under the theme 'Team Spirit in Space Research,' will bring together over 3,000 space development researchers and key industry figures from more than 60 countries. The program includes an opening ceremony, joint meetings of space agencies, invited and public lectures, exhibitions, and academic presentations.

The opening ceremony will take place at 3:00 PM on July 15 at the BEXCO Auditorium. Attendees will include Mayor Park, the head of the Korea Aerospace Administration, the chair of COSPAR, the deputy administrator of NASA, the president of the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, and other global space development officials, who will celebrate the commencement of the event.

Additionally, the opening ceremony will feature a performance by the Busan Metropolitan Dance Company, a cultural ambassador group representing Busan.

The invited and public lectures will be held at 3:30 PM on July 14. Nobel Laureate in Physics (1976) Professor Samuel Ting and Dr. Meenakshi Wadhwa, head of NASA's Mars Sample Return Program, will deliver public lectures. Dr. Shim Chae-kyung from the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute and science YouTuber Gwedoga will also present a lunar science talk concert.

Poster for the Public Lecture at the International Council for Science Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Scientific Assembly.

These lectures are expected to not only spark interest in space science among students aspiring to become future space scientists but also inspire citizens with fascinating stories about the universe.

During the assembly, an exhibition introducing the space development research and core technologies of over 40 companies and institutions from around the world will also be held. This is expected to serve as a catalyst for revitalizing the private-led space development sector in the NewSpace era.

Participating companies and institutions include Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), Boryung, NASA, Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI), Nara Space, and Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), among others.

On July 13 at 2:30 PM, the Air Force's special flight team Black Eagles will perform a celebratory flight over Haeundae Beach for about 30 minutes to mark the opening of the assembly.

Preliminary practice flights will be conducted twice on July 11, and aircraft noise is expected throughout Busan. Citizens will be notified via text messages.

The COSPAR 2024 celebratory airshow (Black Eagles Air Force special flight team airshow) will take place over Haeundae Beach from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM on July 13 (canceled in case of rain). The flight path will be Gimhae → Buk-gu → Geumjeong-gu → Haeundae Beach.

Mayor Park Hyung-joon stated, "On the occasion of hosting the COSPAR Scientific Assembly, the world's largest space science conference, in Busan, I plan to meet with key figures in the field of space science, such as Pam Melroy, NASA Deputy Administrator, to discuss international cooperation projects and collaboration plans for BusanSat, our city's micro ocean observation satellite." He added, "I hope this first-ever assembly held in Korea, in Busan, will yield significant achievements for space science and a sustainable future."