In the last half-century, planetary science has become a significant interdisciplinary field of research with the advances in space exploration and ground based studies. The field now ventures far beyond the solar system to include planets around other stars and is attracting interdisciplinary scientists from around the world. Detailed characterization of planetary environments beyond our planet requires collaborative studies across many research fields of Earth and space sciences.
Several Associations of IUGG deal with planetary issues, but mostly independently. Namely, IAMAS has a commission devoted to planetary atmospheres - the International Commission on Planetary Atmospheres and Evolution (ICPAE). IAG had an Inter-Commission Committee on Planetary Geodesy and a Joint Project on Geodetic Planetology. IACS has a division on Planetary and other Ices of the Solar System. IASPEI and IAVCEI have been working on planetary interior structure and evolution, planetary seismology and volcanology. IAGA welcomes scientists to join in research of magnetism and aeronomy of other bodies of the solar system. With lakes and oceans being explored on outer planet moons such as Titan, Europa, Enceladus, and missions such as MESSENGER and BepiColombo, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter investigating the interior structure of rocky bodies like Mercury and the Moon, there is a need for a comprehensive home for planetary sciences within IUGG.

Purpose

The IUGG Union Commission on Planetary Sciences (UCPS) promotes the advancement of scientific understanding of planetary science and exploration of the solar system origin, formation and evolution including a search for life beyond Earth. The UCPS is jointly sponsored by IACS, IAG, IAGA, IAHS, IAMAS, IAPSO, IASPEI, and IAVCEI. The UCPS together with the IUGG associations will share the knowledge and insights on planetary formation and origin through scientific research and comparative studies between planetary objects and the Earth in the fields of atmosphere, surface and interiors research.

Objectives

• to promote the study of all scientific problems on planetary science and to encourage planetary research;
• to promote and coordinate international cooperation in planetary science, and promote planetary science activities in developing countries;
• to provide, on an international basis, for discussion and publication of the results of the studies, research and work indicated above;
• to contribute to coordinating activity for possible future space missions.

Executive Committee

• In advance of an IUGG General Assembly (every 4 years), each IUGG Association will be asked to nominate experts to sit on the UCPS Executive Committee, in cases where a position is vacant.
• Prior to an IUGG General Assembly, the UCPS shall select officers of the Commission: a Chair, two Vice-Chairs (on the basis of geographical location and/or research expertise), and a Secretary/Treasurer from the Executive Committee membership.
• The Chair, two Vice-chairs, Secretary/Treasurer, members-at-large representing Union Associations, and the immediate Past-Chair form the UCPS Executive Committee. The number of members-at-large is determined so, that to get all Union Associations involved in the work of the Commission's Executive Committee. Normally the UCPS Executive Committee should have one representative from one Association.
• The IUGG Vice-President shall be informed about the results of the election prior to the IUGG General Assembly. The list of UCPS officers is subject to approval by the IUGG Bureau and their term of office shall start immediately after the IUGG General Assembly.
• The Term of Office of a UCPS officer shall be 4 years, but may be extended for a further period of not more than 4 years.
• Any motions put to the UCPS must be passed by a two-thirds majority of the Executive Committee.

Membership

• Membership of the UCPS is option to all scientists who share the UCPS purpose and objectives.
• Membership of the UCPS does not lapse. However, members may be removed by the Executive Committee if they are inactive for a period of at least 4 years.
• The UCPS Secretary shall keep an up-to-date register of members.

Meetings

• The UCPS shall meet during IUGG General Assemblies and at scientific events the commission organizes.

Reporting

• The UCPS shall submit activity and financial reports to the IUGG Secretary General annually and a quadrennial report 5 months before IUGG General Assembly.

Funding

• The UCPS shall have access to funds allocated by the IUGG.
• The UCPS Secretary/Treasurer shall collect funds, make payments and keep correct accounts and books showing the financial affairs of the UCPS.

Continuation

• The UCPS shall normally be reviewed by the Executive Committee of IUGG every 4 years.
• The UCPS will terminate its activities through a decision of the IUGG Executive Committee.