– Signs MoUs with Uzbekistan and Italy; Bilateral Talks with ESA–
– Korea Accelerates Its International Space Cooperation Efforts –
The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), led by Administrator Youngbin Yoon, attended the 2025 Space Symposium held in Colorado Springs, USA (April 7-10), continuing its efforts to expand international space cooperation and strengthen strategic partnerships.
At the event, KASA signed MOUs with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Uzbekistan Space Agency (Uzbekcosmos), while also holding a bilateral meeting with the European Space Agency (ESA). Notably, these engagements demonstrate Korea's strategic commitment to playing a key role in the global space community, strengthening technological commitment with spacefaring nations while building mutually beneficial partnerships with emerging countries.
MoU with Uzbekspace Agency – A Pivotal Turning Point for Space Cooperation in Central Asia
On April 7th, KASA signed an MoU with Uzbekspace Agency. This MoU establishes a framework for cooperation in various areas, including satellite development, space workforce training, and exchange of experience and expertise in space policy and strategy for Uzbekistan.
Cooperation with emerging countries like Uzbekistan, which aims to enhance space infrastructure and technology in fields such as aerospace, will go beyond technology transfer, fostering mutual expertise exchange, workforce development, and joint R&D. It is expected to contribute to establishing a foundation for mutual growth. KASA aims to support Uzbekistan’s space activities, moving beyond technology exports, create opportunities for joint growth while solidifying Korea’s role in the global space ecosystem.
MOU Amendment with the ASI - Strengthening Cooperation in Space Weather and Exploration
On April 7th, KASA and ASI signed MOU amendment as a follow-up to the bilateral meeting between the two agencies at 2024 International Astronautical Congress (IAC). This MOU will expand cooperation in various fields including space weather, space exploration, earth observation and PNT.
Both agencies have already formed working groups to explore collaborative agendas, and once specific items are identified IAs will be signed. Strengthening cooperation with Italy, a founding member of ESA with advanced space technology, is expected to lead to joint missions, technology exchange, and mutual support in the space industry.
Bilateral Talks with the ESA - Strategic Foundations for European Space Cooperation
KASA continued discussion with ESA following a seminar held in January when an ESA delegation visited Korea. The specifics of cooperation between the two have been further defined since and during the bilateral meeting, current issues were discussed including the legal framework and general conditions for implementing activities of mutual interest, in the areas of mission operations and ground data systems, space weather, as well as space exploration and navigation.
Moreover, KASA proposed various additional ways to deepen cooperation, to enable both Korean government and businesses to participate more systematically in Europe's overall space network.
Administrator Yoon stated, “These international cooperation efforts represent a significant step forward−not merely as a diplomatic achievement, but as progress toward building a multi-dimensional partnership that organically integrates technology cooperation, industrial expansion, and talent exchange.” He added, “KASA will continue to foster mutual growth and technological exchange through partnerships with both advanced and emerging space nations, establishing itself as a key player in global space cooperation.”
For further information, please contact the International Affairs Division (Phone: +82-55-856-4151) of the Korea AeroSpace Administration.