USA and South Korea agree to strengthen cooperation in space science and exploration

The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea (ROK) have signed a joint statement of intent to explore further cooperation in space science and exploration and take Korea-US space cooperation to the next level.

Under the joint statement, the two parties will undertake a concept study to identify bilateral joint projects in areas such as deep space communications, lunar science and technology research including gateways, robotics, mobility, and space medicine research for lunar settlement activities. In addition, NASA, MSIT, and participating agencies intend to conduct a joint study on potential areas of future cooperation to explore the Moon and Mars.

The USA and the ROK have also committed to strengthening space cooperation and improving interoperability through consultative bodies such as the Civil Space Dialogue (CSD), the Space Security Dialogue (SSD), and the Space Cooperation Working Group (SCWG). Both organizations have taken a positive stance towards further cooperation in space science and exploration as well as towards strengthening space and cyber cooperation and improving interoperability through consultative bodies.