Over 2,300 scientists and experts from 74 countries have gathered in this 'city of palaces' to take part in the nine-day COSPER-2012, a mega space that would deliberate on contemporary topics in the realm of space around the globe.

The main theme 39th Scientific Assembly of the Committee Space Research (COSPER) is 'Space: for the benefit of Mankind', began at the sprawling N R Narayana Murthy Centre of Excellence, Infosys Campus, Mysore Infosys Global Education Centre here today and will go on until July 22.

Among the delegates 800 are drawn from India, which includes a number of PHD students, according to Indian Space Research Organisation, which is hosting the event.

This conference is co-hosted by Infosys Limited. ISRO had earlier hosted the COSPAR conference in 1979 in Bangalore.

Professor U R Rao, Chairman, Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) Council and former Chairman, ISRO, who is the Chair of the COSPAR Scientific Programme Committee. Dr.

Giovanni F Bignami, Chairman of European Space Agency's Advisory Council, the current President of COSPAR and ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan briefed the media on the proposed deliberations at the meet.

Founded in 1958 by the International Council for Science (ICSU), COSPAR is considered as one of the foremost space science research associations. It has both National Scientific Institutions and International Scientific Unions as members. (UNI)