COSPAR was established in 1958 by the International Council for Scientific Unions, now known as the International Science Council, during an international meeting in London after the USSR launched its first Earth Satellite in 1957. Till recently, COSPAR served as a bridge between East and West during the Cold War. It worked towards space research cooperation on a purely scientific basis. As relations between the superpowers eased, COSPAR expanded its focus to include all kinds of space-related research, including those using balloons. Nowadays, COSPAR stands at the heart of global cooperation in space science by maximizing resources and tackling the complex challenges and technology development between countries. COSPAR thus emphasizes cooperation instead of competition to contribute toward world stability and the future of humankind. Key COSPAR contributions have included: promoting new space disciplines; international cooperation and fast publication of research results; serving developing countries with capacity building, regional exchanges, and outreach; advising international organizations; setting standards for space research; and advancing space science for the benefit of humanity. The objectives of COSPAR are to promote international space research, exchange of knowledge, and an open forum for scientists in solving problems in space science. This it done through scientific assemblies, publication, and other activities. The Scientific Assemblies of COSPAR have evolved into premier global open forums on space research where 2000–3000 participants share their knowledge by presenting new, sometimes revolutionary discoveries or discussing problems pertaining to every type of space-related science that is currently urging international cooperation.