Korea, U.S. to strengthen space cooperation

Yoon Young-bin, head of the Korea Aerospace Administration (left), is signing an agreement with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and posing for a commemorative photo. (KASA)

The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) said on Sunday that it signed a joint statement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to enhance cooperation in aerospace activities. The document was signed during a meeting at NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C. last Thursday.

The joint statement includes measures to bolster collaboration in space exploration, particularly focusing on lunar and deep space missions under the Artemis program - the U.S. initiative to return humans to the Moon. Both agencies agreed to promote scientific research and gain knowledge via international cooperation.

They plan to expand the scope of research and development cooperation by identifying innovative projects with high potential in fields such as space life sciences, lunar surface science, joint usage of deep space antennas, future commercial low Earth orbit activities, solar physics, and astrophysics. Enhancing aerospace capabilities through technology exchange and human resource development is also part of the agreement.

Addressing issues that have gained prominence in the international space community, the two organizations committed to promoting space sustainability. They agreed to jointly develop and adhere to standard procedures for information sharing related to space debris mitigation, space traffic management, and environmental protection.

Separately, KASA and NASA signed an agreement on Lagrange Point 4 (L4), aiming to jointly conduct mission concept designs at this gravitational equilibrium point between Earth and the Sun. The agreement includes defining mission concepts related to space environment research at L4 as well as exploring ways to improve space radiation safety and the efficiency of space exploration activities, alongside conducting research on data transmission, optical communication, and relay usage at L4.

The agreement is expected to serve as a starting point to materialize space cooperation between South Korea and the United States, including expanding Korea’s participation in the Artemis program and discovering various research cooperation projects. KASA plans to promote the signing of an Artemis research agreement with NASA to expand its participation even further.

KASA said that the joint statement is a follow-up to the agreement between the leaders of South Korea and the United States in April 2023 to elevate their relationship to a space alliance beyond military and economic ties.

“This is an important step in opening a new chapter of the Korea-U.S. alliance in the aerospace field,” KASA Administrator Yoon Young-bin said. “It is Korea’s opportunity to become a space powerhouse by promoting humanity’s scientific discoveries and pioneering the future. We will continue cooperating with the world for sustainable space activities.”