In response to the growing importance of space exploration, the objectives of the COSPAR Panel on Exploration (PEX) are to provide high quality, independent science input to support the development of a global space exploration program, to promote space sciences as a key element of this program, to contribute to maximize its scientific return via enhanced international cooperation, and to take action to safeguard the scientific assets of solar system bodies. This paper summarizes the presentations of the two panel sessions at the COSPAR assembly 2024 and identifies the most intensely discussed recent topics of interest or concern for space exploration. These topics include environment stewardship of celestial bodies, space debris, resource utilization, the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies that we want to explore with planetary protection measures, preservation of dark and quiet skies, potential atmospheric pollution, space as an independent goal of sustainable development, human spaceflight, agile and affordable space programs, and the early preparation of a new edition of the COSPAR exploration roadmap.

Japan’s Space Program as Techno-Nationalist Identity and Strategic Positioning in the Indo-Pacific Security Architecture

Adolescent girls in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) with high levels of poverty face barriers to education, health, and life opportunities. In Northern Nigeria, patriarchal norms and gendered expectations heighten girls' risk of early marriage and high-risk childbearing. Birth spacing, or extending the length of time between births, can be a socially acceptable strategy that girls use to maintain their health. The Centre for Girls Education (CGE)'s Married Adolescent Girls Safe Spaces (MAS) program in rural Northern Nigeria included lessons on birth spacing and visits to health facilities. We conducted a case study of the MAS program, drawing from three years of ethnographic field research, including participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus groups. Combining scientific evidence and Islamic teachings in MAS safe spaces shaped girls' understanding and appreciation of modern birth spacing methods, and their agency in negotiating usage. However, girls' agency remained constrained by structural and normative barriers limiting their ability to practice birth spacing. The MAS program suggests that integrating scientific information and Islamic teachings on birth spacing in safe spaces can strengthen married adolescent girls' knowledge and agency to use modern methods, while underscoring the need to address persistent structural and gender norms.

ABSTRACT In the recent decade, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a series of ambitious space exploration programmes with the twin goals of becoming one of the global leaders in the space sector and diversifying its economy away from oil. The country launched the ‘Hope’ probe to explore Mars—the first of its kind from the Arab and Islamic worlds—and sent two Emirati astronauts, Hazza Al‐Mansoori and Sultan Al‐Neyadi, to the International Space Station on scientific missions. More outer space programmes are in the pipeline, including the plan to establish the first inhabitable human settlement on Mars by 2117. This article examines how these space exploration programmes contribute to the construction of the UAE's national identity. The identity of a nation is shaped by its desired future as much as its imagined past, where the future is often defined in terms of scientific and technological advancement. The Emirati state recognises the crucial role that its space exploration programmes can play in shaping the nation's post‐oil future. Through an analysis of official discourses on space exploration programmes, particularly in state‐sponsored media and educational materials such as school textbooks, supplemented by insights from fieldwork in the UAE, this article argues that these programmes are communicated and celebrated with nationalistic fervour. They aim to instil a deep sense of national pride among its citizens, especially the younger generation, inspiring them to realise the founding father Sheikh Zayed's ‘ambition’ of exploring outer space and advancing the nation's scientific and technological achievements. In doing so, the Emirati state also seeks to secure enduring citizen loyalty in a post‐oil future.

. As a child's first source of education, parents compete to provide the best parenting for their children. In the midst of today's high economic demands, it is not uncommon for parents to have to divide their time to work and care for children, which is often a challenge for parents in monitoring their children's development. Preschool and daycare are one of the answers to this problem, where children's development will continue to be monitored, children can be more active and carry out independent activities. The design method used is descriptive qualitative, by analyzing several literature studies and comparative surveys to carry out a complete analysis such as location selection, site analysis, space programs, and activities, interior layout, appearance to structure and utilities. The selection of the concept by applying metaphorical architecture to the design of Preschool and Daycare is based on the play and thinking patterns of early childhood children who use a lot of creativity, because children in their golden age like to play with shapes and spaces. The selection of puzzle and nature metaphors is expected to fulfill the goal of fun parenting in a child's development in the form of a design.

Participation rates in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) are low for people with intellectual disabilities. Electronic making (eMaking) incorporates STEM concepts and involves maker activities that use technologies, enabling skill development, leisure participation and lifelong learning. This study aimed to identify tools, technology and techniques used within, and examine barriers and enablers to, meaningful eMaking experiences for people with intellectual disabilities. Using a qualitative study design, data were collected via interviews and focus groups with three senior disability provider managers, six eMaking program coaches, and four eMaking experts designing curriculum. This data were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Program coach written reflections and photographs of eMaking activities were also collected. All data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Twelve themes were identified. Themes related to tools and technology (using a range of equipment and resources; having designated space and structure and program outlines; using task modification to remove barriers and risks); techniques (starting with interests; using principles of active support; and seeking feedback); and potential program barriers and enablers (skills of the coach; support staff training and interest; knowledge and perceptions of the abilities of participants; program knowledge; and logistical aspects of the program). eMaking can be accessible to people with intellectual disabilities and is enabled by customised tools and techniques and a positive attitudinal support environment.

Abstract The China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite (CSES) mission is a joint China-Italy initiative focused on investigating Earth’s geophysical environment through non-imaging remote sensing from space. Its primary objective is to establish a constellation of satellites capable of continuously monitoring global electromagnetic fields, particle fluxes, and plasma parameters within the iono-magnetospheric system. Goals of this space program are the investigation of possible lithosphere-atmosphere-ionosphere-magnetosphere coupling mechanisms and their role in inducing perturbations in the upper ionosphere and the lower boundary of the radiation belts. Additionally, CSES contributes to space weather studies, including investigations of the magnetosphere, heliosphere, and galactic cosmic rays. Each satellite in the constellation carries multiple instruments to measure charged particles, electromagnetic fields, and plasma properties. CSES-01, launched in February 2018, remains operational. The second satellite, CSES-02, was launched on June 14, 2025, marking the transition to a multi-point observation capability. Italy contributed the High-Energy Particle Detector to both missions—HEPD-01 for CSES-01 and the upgraded HEPD-02 for CSES-02. These detectors are designed for precise measurements of electrons, protons, light nuclei, and transient gamma rays in the multi-MeV range. HEPD-02 significantly enhances energy resolution and extends the detection range when combined with the lower-energy instruments aboard CSES-02, enabling continuous coverage from 100 keV to 200 MeV. This article presents the scientific goals of the CSES program, with a focus on the role of HEPD-02 in energetic particle studies, both as a standalone detector and in synergy with the mission’s multi-instrument, multi-satellite framework.

This study explored the key factors for improving youth entrepreneurship and settlement support content in rural areas, drawing on both demand-side (youth participants) and supply-side (program providers and policymakers) perspectives. The study identified the essential components that influence youth engagement and long-term settlement through in-depth interviews with young entrepreneurs and community organizers. Using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the study prioritized core content elements—financial support, physical space, community engagement, and educational programs—based on their perceived importance. Results indicated a notable divergence between stakeholders: youth participants prioritized financial and spatial support, while providers emphasized educational and community-based initiatives. These findings underscore the need for integrated, user-centered content strategies that reflect real-world experiences and local contexts. This study offers practical insights for developing sustainable, demand-driven systems that support youth entrepreneurship and promote lasting settlement in rural communities.

Abstract Sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) ice has been tentatively detected in protostellar envelopes, but its reliability as a solid-state sulfur reservoir remains unclear. We present new measurements of SO 2 ice from 6.8–8.5 μ m toward four Class 0 protostars observed with JWST’s Mid-Infrared (MIRI) Medium Resolution Spectrometer, as part of the COMs ORigin Investigated by the Next-generation Observatory in Space (CORINOS) program. The sample spans a luminosity range from 1 L ⊙ (B335, IRAS 15398–3359) to 10 L ⊙ (L483, Ser-emb 7). To assess continuum placement uncertainty in absorption spectra, we apply randomized polynomial fits over the restricted region. We fit laboratory spectra from the Leiden Ice Database for Astrochemistry using the open-source Python library Omnifit. We detect the 7.7 μ m CH 4 band in all sources and find its column density robust to baseline choice, providing a reference for evaluating the weaker SO 2 feature on its blue shoulder and quantifying baseline-related uncertainty. Three SO 2 laboratory ices were tested: pure SO 2 ice yields 0.3%–1.2% of volatile sulfur may be locked in SO 2 ice (lower and upper limits); CH 3 OH:SO 2 ice gives 0.02%–0.18%, but with lower quality fitting. The best-fitting H 2 O:SO 2 ice yields 0.2%–0.9%, which we consider the most realistic. These ranges define plausible bounds on SO 2 ice abundances in our sample. We find evidence for SO 2 in Ser-emb 7, L483, and IRAS 15398–3359, but emphasize the noisy spectrum of B335 prevents a definitive detection. Comparing SO 2 ice abundances across the different environments, we assess how conditions influence the role of SO 2 as a potential sulfur reservoir and implications for the longstanding “missing sulfur” problem.

The domain of space activities, historically shaped as an arena of exclusively state-driven political ambitions and scientific or strategic initiatives, is increasingly transforming into a complex institutional regime in which public and private actors interact through modalities extending beyond classical administrative and legal frameworks. The evolution of the modern space economy, particularly as evidenced in economically developed states, demonstrates that innovation-oriented public–private partnerships may become the leading mechanism for generating new technologies, ensuring the resilience of space infrastructure, and shaping long-term national strategies for the exploration and utilisation of outer space. Ukraine is entering a period of profound transformation of its public governance system, including the space sector, driven both by internal regulatory changes and by the necessity to adapt to a new security environment and global trends. This article examines the transformation of legal and institutional mechanisms of public–private partnership in the context of the development of Ukraine’s space sector. It analyses the shift in the legislatively determined logic of public–private partnership and its impact on the state’s ability to form an effective PPP system in the space domain, attract investment, integrate into global space programmes, and maintain a balance between domestic defence imperatives and the civilian development of the space industry. The research establishes that the effectiveness of PPPs in the space sphere is determined, on the one hand, by the emergence of a new interaction model among space actors – resulting from updated legislation – in which regimes governing intellectual property management, access to dual-use technologies, and private investment become critical elements. On the other hand, it depends on the creation of a specialised regulatory framework that ensures an appropriate balance between national security interests, the commercialisation of R&D outcomes, and Ukraine’s international obligations. It is substantiated that the introduction of dedicated institutional mechanisms – particularly the strengthening of the State Space Agency of Ukraine as the coordinating authority for the public dimension of PPP relations, together with a modernised procedural regime – has the potential to enhance Ukraine’s global integration and ensure the sustainable development of the national space sector.

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the stages of formation and development of the scientific and legal doctrine regarding the use of Earth remote sensing (ERS). It is determined that ERS, as a technology for observing the Earth’s surface and atmosphere using sensor systems placed on satellites, aircraft, or other aerial platforms, has become one of the key tools of modern science, economy, and governance. Along with technological progress, the need arose for legal understanding of this new activity, which led to the formation of the doctrine in several successive stages. The first stage (1950s–1970s) was, characterized by the emergence of research and discussions on the admissibility of ERS in light of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. The second stage (1980s) marked the institutional recognition of ERS as a separate legal issue and the adoption of the 1986 UN Principles, which established the basic rules of state conduct. The third stage (1990s–2000s) reflected the process of commercialization and privatization of space programs, which brought to the forefront issues of intellectual property, international trade in data, and the protection of states’ strategic interests. The fourth stage (2010s–2020s) is, characterized by multidimensionality and integration: combining ecological, commercial, and security dimensions, harmonizing national and international legal regimes, and searching for new regulatory models. The study employs historical-legal, comparative-legal, and systemic methods, which made it possible to trace the evolution of the doctrine from the general principles of space law to specialized norms of international and national regulation. Particular attention is, paid to the contribution of international and Ukrainian scholars who developed the concepts of “global public interest” and “information sovereignty,” as well as proposed models for harmonizing legislation. The article aims to outline the key trends in the development of legal support for ERS, identify problems and contradictions that remain relevant, and determine the prospects for forming a comprehensive model of sustainable legal regulation in this field.

After a period that could be described as a winter of human space exploration, the 1990s and the early twenty-first century have inaugurated a renewed season of expansion. On the one hand, this space spring has unfolded through the deployment of landers and rovers across the Solar System, the use of next-generation telescopes to detect potentially habitable exoplanets, the entry of new geopolitical actors, and the increasing involvement of private companies such as SpaceX. On the other hand, momentum has grown around projects aimed at establishing permanent human outposts on the Moon and Mars and eventually pursuing terraforming and colonization. Within this evolving landscape, the prospect of human settlement beyond Earth has moved from the realm of science fiction to that of scientific and technological feasibility. Around this possibility, the ethical debate has polarized into two prevailing opposing orientations: cosmic expansionism, which views space colonization as a promising avenue to secure humanity’s long-term flourishing and cosmological potential; and earthism, which warns that off-world expansion may magnify future harms or foster planetary neglect. Drawing on the emerging framework of planetary bioethics, which emphasizes the primacy of Earth’s ecological integrity as a normative anchor for any technological or cosmological aspiration, this article reconstructs the main lines of the debate and proposes a third theoretical and moral view construed around the positive cosmic redundancy principle (CRP). Indeed, building on the Cosmic Bet Argument, that is the preferability to bet on the cosmic importance of our species, it defends a model of positive cosmic redundancy: investments in space-related research and technologies can be ethically justified—and even desirable—so long as they are not motivated by escapism or substitutionism, but are instead guided by principles of prudence, planetary responsibility, and long-term moral foresight. Under this view, off-world expansion may contribute to humanity’s cosmic resilience, yet its legitimacy remains strictly conditional on reinforcing—rather than weakening—our obligations toward the only planet that presently sustains us. Against this backdrop, the article also proposes a set of criteria to effectively apply the principle of positive cosmic redundancy, as well as a discussion regarding its effectiveness in evaluating space programs such as Artemis and other space missions

For millennia, humans have yearned to explore the unknown. Looking into the night sky, the thousands of generations before us, wondered what was out there. It was not until the 19th century that one could be above the ground in a balloon. The Wrights conquered flight in the early 20th century and Goddard developed rocketry in America in the 1920s—but it was a World War that brought rapid change. Operation Paperclip brought German scientists to the United States beginning in 1945 and they helped usher in the Space Age. The advent of human space flight began in earnest in 1958 and it eventually led to humans on the Moon, orbiting space stations, reusable spacecraft and commercial companies that ferry astronauts and supplies to the International Space Station. Over the past seven decades, we have evolved our space program from one of governmental priorities and investment to one of a burgeoning commercial program that now sends tourist above the Kármán line and into space.

Lack of data, as well as the estimator's experience and expertise in estimating prices, can lead to inaccurate estimates. Differences between the contract value and the budget ceiling indicate the need to evaluate the accuracy of a building's cost estimate. Cost estimation evaluations are conducted to determine the results of cost estimates and improve their accuracy. Cost estimation accuracy evaluations are conducted by collecting primary data through interviews and questionnaires, as well as secondary data in the form of the budget ceiling, contractor contract value, building area and height, SHST, and related coefficients. The data obtained are analyzed using parametric methods. The parameters evaluated include: building area, cost, building classification, building type, floor height, and space program. The analysis in this study includes: analyzing the accuracy of parametric cost estimation methods against the budget ceiling value and analyzing parameters that influence cost estimation accuracy.

Objective. To study the dynamics of human intestinal microbiota under conditions of artificial isolation (simulating space flights) using a new eubiotic index that evaluates the balance of opportunistic and opportunistic microorganisms. Materials and methods. Data: archival materials of the Soviet space programs (1960-1980) and modern isolation experiments (“Sphinx”: 60 days; “Sirius”: 120/240 days; “Mars-500”: 520 days). Methodology: classical seeding on nutrient media to count microorganism colonies. Index I: calculated based on the priority of bacterial colonization. Statistical processing: Shapiro-Wilk, Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA, Dunn test (StatTech v3.0.9 and R programs). Results. Short-term isolation (up to 15 days): Peak of the eubiotic index on days 8-11 with subsequent decrease (approximation: R² = 0.9986). Long-term isolation (60-520 days): Steady decrease in the eubiotic index I, reaching a minimum on days 150-300 (I < 1 - dominance of opportunistic microflora). Probiotics slow down, but do not prevent dysbiosis. Model verification: good agreement with the Sphinx experiment. Conclusion. Isolation causes a decrease in the diversity of microbiota and a shift in the balance towards opportunistic microorganisms. The following are recommended for long-term space missions: integration of prebiotics into the diet; personalized probiotics.

Part of the Altai Territory is used as a fall zone for rocket boosters launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. In order to identify possible medical consequences for the population of the impact of rocket and space activities within the framework of the state space program, medical examinations of residents of the territories adjacent to the fall zones are carried out in the Territory. In this work, for the first time, the results of the analysis of the structure of the prevalence of diseases among men of working age in the Tretyakovsky District for 1999, 2005, 2010 and 2015 are presented. The most significant diseases for this population were identified in each study period.

Abstract The China Space Station Telescope (CSST), a two-meter aperture astronomical space telescope under China’s manned space program, is equipped with multiple back-end scientific instruments}. As an astronomical precision measurement module of the CSST, the Multi-Channel Imager (MCI) can cover a wide wavelength range from ultraviolet to near-infrared with three-color simultaneous high-precision photometry and imaging, which meets the scientific requirements for various fields. The diverse scientific objectives of MCI require not only a robust airborne platform, advanced optical systems, and observing facilities but also comprehensive software support for scientific operations and research. To this end, it is essential to develop realistic observational simulation software to thoroughly evaluate the MCI data stream and provide calibration tools for future scientific investigations. The MCI instrument simulation software will serve as a foundation for the development of the MCI data processing pipeline and will facilitate improvements in both hardware and software, as well as in the observational operation strategy, in alignment with the mission's scientific goals. In conclusion, we present a comprehensive overview of the MCI instrument simulation and some corresponding performances of the MCI data processing pipeline.

The article provides a comparative analysis of institutional models for state funding of space programs in leading global powers (USA, Russia, China, EU) over the period from 2010 to 2025. It examines volumes, structure, dynamics of budget allocations, and their effectiveness according to key metrics (ROI, launches per billion dollars, patents per billion). Based on empirical data from academic sources, systemic differences are identified: US dominance by absolute volume ($80+ billion in 2025), exponential growth of China (+233%), niche advantages of Russia (heavy launch vehicles), and scientific focus of the EU. Special attention is given to comparing the efficiency of NASA vs Roscosmos as well as ESA vs CNSA. Recommendations have been developed for institutional transformation of the Russian model (increasing PPP share up to 30% by 2030) to achieve parity under conditions of geopolitical polarization of the space market.

Nature-based solution (NBS) has become tools to improve environmental resilience and reduce temperature increases due to global climate change. Although many green spaces are still underutilized and have little ecological, social, or economic value, they are essential to this mission. At the same time, previous research has established NbS as an integrated framework for environmental management, climate adaptation, and its practical implementation, particularly in urban contexts. This study examines the case of Curug Kulon in Tangerang Regency, where green spaces are neglected and only marginally used for urban agriculture. Through land potential analysis and Focus Group Discussions with local stakeholders, the study identified key strategies for programming green spaces based on the socio-cultural characteristics of the community. The results demonstrate (1) the possibility of creating multipurpose land uses, (2) the conversion of local residents into proactive promoters and advocates of environmental conservation, and (3) the incorporation of green space functions as educational areas, productive landscapes, and ecological buffers. Research recommends a participatory framework to improve climate resilience based on community empowerment by developing urban green space program and provides a concept of green space sustainable management.

Logos and the Written Sign: A Comparative Study of Space Naming — Civilizational Semiotics and Political Symbolism in Chinese and Western Space Programs