Goals and trends in space exploration: An overview of the panel on exploration sessions at the committee on space research general assembly 2024

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.