COSPAR International Constellation of Small Spacecraft

Abstract:

The Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) has assembled a task group of researchers, managers, and policy makers to examine the question of how small satellites might be used to advance technology, science opportunity, and space applications. The initial focus of the effort will be to address space weather in the near-Earth region, but over time a much wider range of topics will be explored. A key component of the plan is to educate and train new members of the worldwide community in the possibilities of smallsat approaches. The COSPAR team, known formally as the Task Group on establishing a Constellation of Small Satellites (TGCSS), began its deliberative work in early March of 2020. The Task Group members have recognized two quite important and distinct aspects of the COSPAR Action Plan. One branch of activity should be geared toward harnessing and taking good advantage of what international COSPAR adherents already are doing in the smallsat realm. By identifying and orchestrating such efforts, COSPAR is able to perform a worthwhile service to the space community and the nations of the world. The other aspect of this plan is to build capacity amongst nations and institutions that presently have little (or no) space involvement or experience. By bringing more developing nations to the “space exploration table”, COSPAR will greatly increase and benefit the entire space enterprise. This presentation will emphasize the COSPAR action plan in these COVID-challenged times and will show how educational institutions around the world can contribute and can take advantage of the COSPAR initiative.