– First High-Level Bilateral Space Dialogue Under the New Trump Administration, Strengthening ROK-U.S. Space Cooperation –
– 5th Meeting Scheduled for 2027 in Korea –
The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), headed by Administrator Youngbin Yoon, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by Minister Cho Tae-yul, announced that the 4th ROK-U.S. Civil Space Dialogue was held in Washington, D.C. on April 14, 2025 (local time). * Previous meetings: 1st in Washington, 2014; 2nd in Seoul, 2016; 3rd in Seoul, 2022
The 4th ROK-U.S. Civil Space Dialogue marked the first high-level bilateral space dialogue hosted by the U.S. since the new Trump administration took office. During the meeting, both nations, as comprehensive strategic allies, discussed specific and practical measures to enhance space cooperation between the two countries.
On the Korean side, John Lee, Vice Administrator of Mission Directorates at KASA, and Han Min-yeong, Director-General for the Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Scientific Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, served as co-chairs. On the U.S. side, Rahima Kandahari, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Science, Technology, and Space Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, and Karen Feldstein, Associate Administrator of Office of International and Interagency Relations at NASA, also served as co-chairs. Kevin Kim, Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, delivered a welcoming speech, emphasizing the importance of ROK-U.S. space cooperation.
Since the establishment of KASA in May 2024, this dialogue marked the first time that both foreign and space authorities from the two countries jointly took the lead in the discussions. Delegates from over 30 space-related institutions from both nations participated in the forum, where discussions spanned 10 main agenda topics related to space policy, cooperation strategies, and diplomatic, security, and economic implications.
Participating Institutions:
(Korea) KASA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Korea Coast Guard, Rural Development Administration, KARI, Korea Forest Service, Korean Embassy in Washington, etc.
(U.S.) Department of State, Department of Commerce, NASA, NOAA, National Marine Information Office (NMIO), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), etc.
Key Topics of Discussion Included:
Space Policy, Space Exploration, Space Science, Satellite Navigation, Space Commercialization, Space Regulation, Earth Observation & Space Weather, Global & Regional Cooperation, Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), Space Situational Awareness (SSA) & Space Traffic Management
The two nations discussed expanding South Korea's participation in the Artemis Program and potential collaboration on the L4 mission. Both countries also welcomed the successful launch of NASA's SPHEREx space telescope, in which Korea’s KASI is involved, and agreed to support and cooperate on various ongoing U.S. missions, including NASA’s IMAP (Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe) and NOAA’s SWFO-L1 (Space Weather Follow-On) mission.
KASA and NASA signed the L4 Study Agreement last year, in which they are jointly conducting research on mission concepts such as space radiation analysis at the L4, a gravitational equilibrium point between the Earth and the Sun, and the Artemis Study Agreement.
NASA's IMAP (Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe) aims to study the boundary of the heliosphere to understand the interactions between solar wind and interstellar medium, while NOAA's SWFO-L1 is focused on real-time monitoring of solar wind and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) to enhance space weather prediction capabilities.
Furthermore, the two countries explored ways to enhance interoperability between Korea’s Korean Positioning System (KPS) and the U.S. GPS system, as well as opportunities for satellite data sharing, including the Landsat 2030 International Partnership Initiative. They also discussed the participation of Korea in Landsat 2030, a global collaboration focused on climate change, agriculture, water resource management, and wildfire impact assessment.
The two sides also discussed satellite data sharing, including potential collaboration related to Korea’s CAS-4 (Compact Advanced Satellite), which is scheduled for launch in 2026 and primarily intended for use by the Rural Development Administration and the Korea Forest Service. In addition, both countries agreed to continue cooperation on the use of SSA capabilities to promote safe spaceflight and the long-term sustainability of outer space. Recognizing the growing importance of MDA, the two sides also explored ways to strengthen collaboration between Korea’s Coast Guard and the U.S. National Maritime Intelligence-Integration Office (NMIO).
As the NewSpace era unfolds with private entities leading space development, both countries also explored continued participation opportunities for Korea in NASA's Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD) and Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) programs. Additionally, discussions on building a resilient space industry supply chain and sharing radiation test data were held. The two sides also reviewed the establishment of the Export Control Working Group, which was agreed upon during the 3rd Civil Space Dialogue, and confirmed plans for follow-up meetings.
Finally, both countries committed to strengthening their cooperation in international forums, including the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and the Artemis Accords. They also agreed to explore trilateral collaboration in civil and commercial space with Japan and committed to hosting the 5th ROK-U.S. Civil Space Dialogue in 2027 in Korea.
Han Min-yeong, Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated, “This meeting reaffirmed the strong commitment of both countries to enhance space cooperation in vital areas of our global comprehensive strategic alliance."
John Lee, Vice Administrator of Mission Directorates at KASA, remarked, “With the establishment of KASA, ROK-U.S. space cooperation is gaining momentum, especially in the field of space science and exploration. We hope that our collaboration will expand into various areas, including technology, industry, security, and policy."
For further information, please contact the International Affairs Division (Phone: +82-55-856-4152) of the Korea AeroSpace Administration.