Scientific Commissions

Two primary types of scientific body are active in COSPAR:  Scientific Commissions and Panels.  The rules governing these bodies are contained in the COSPAR By-Laws.  In certain cases, the Bureau or the Scientific Commissions set up Sub-Commissions or Task Groups to address specific topics of scientific interest to Associates. 

The general responsibilities of Scientific Commissions and Panels include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. To discuss, formulate and coordinate internationally cooperative experimental investigations in space,
2. To encourage interactions between experimenters and theoreticians, in order to maximize space science results, especially interpretation arising out of analyses of the observations,
3. To stimulate and coordinate the exchange of scientific results,
4. To plan scientific events at the biennial Assemblies where discussions will be held concerning the results of recent space research, with an appropriate mixture of review and contributed papers,
5. To carry out these tasks in the closest possible association with other organizations interested in these and related tasks,
6. To prepare a brief report on the open business meeting for presentation to the Council,
7. To communicate regularly with COSPAR Associates through contributions, scientific or otherwise, to Space Research Today, COSPAR’s information bulletin.  Deadlines:  1 February for the April issue, 1 June for the August issue, 1 October for the December issue.

Scientific Commission officers are elected by COSPAR Associates present at the open business meetings held during Assemblies. 

Overview Of Current COSPAR Scientific Structure