The EXpeditionary Program for Learning OppoRtunities in analog space Exploration (EXPLORE) project went to Italy this summer (an extremely hot environment!) for the 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly and Associated Events, in Florence, 1 to 9 August 2026.
The COSPAR Scientific Assembly is a major international event gathering space scientists, researchers, educators, and university students working in a wide range of fields related to space science and exploration. The 46th Assembly attracted more than 3,000 participants, including approximately 2,000 scientists and researchers, from over 46 countries, a perfect setting to spread the work about EXPLORE.
From 2 to 8 August, EXPLORE was integrated into the COSPAR booth in the Exhibition Area, where a project partner was present during the coffee breaks to introduce the project and explain its activities and outcomes in greater detail. An EXPLORE poster remained on display throughout the week, alongside the film “The EXPLORE Project Through the Voices of Students”, which presented the project from the students’ perspective, and a slide displayed in every scientific session room between sessions–there were a total of 160 sessions during the Assembly week.
The project was further disseminated through presentations delivered by EXPLORE partners Rosa Doran and Gustavo Rojas (NUCLIO), and astronomy educator Shahrzad Mirsoltani to approximately 50 teachers and education and outreach experts from around the world during the Assembly Panel on Education sessions (PE1 and PE2).
The strong interest generated by EXPLORE at COSPAR 2026 was particularly encouraging, and we hope to see this interest reflected in the take-up of the SPHERE project, helping to extend its reach to schools and students across Europe and beyond.