COSPAR 2026

The 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly took place from 1 - 9 August 2026 in Florence, Italy, bringing together the international space science community to exchange the latest scientific results, foster international cooperation, and discuss the future of space exploration.

A highlight of the programme was the Roundtable of Space Agency Leaders, held on 3 August, which brought together senior representatives from the world's leading space agencies to discuss the future of international cooperation in space science and exploration.

The session was jointly moderated by Gabriella Arrigo, President of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), and Pascale Ehrenfreund, President of COSPAR and former IAF President. Their leadership guided a high-level dialogue on the strategic priorities shaping the next era of space science.

The roundtable featured distinguished representatives from major space organizations, including the European Space Agency (ESA), NASA, JAXA, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the Italian Space Agency (ASI), the UAE Space Agency (UAESA), ISRO, the National Space Science Center of China (NSSC), and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI), representing the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA).

The IAF's active participation at COSPAR 2026 further demonstrated the Federation's commitment to fostering dialogue across the global space community and strengthening cooperation between the scientific and broader space sectors.