KASA Hosts the Korea Pavilion to Enhance K-Space’s Status and Secure Domestic Companies’ Access to Global Markets
The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), led by Administrator Yoon Youngbin, showcased its active efforts to implement national government initiatives in the space sector during the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Sydney, held from September 29 to October 3. These initiatives aimed at diversifying space diplomacy through bilateral and multilateral cooperation, while also supporting the global expansion of space companies.
The IAC, the world’s foremost international event, brings together government agencies, research institutions, academia, and industry professionals from around the globe to share the latest technologies and research achievements, and discuss the future of space exploration.
During the Artemis Accords Signatories Meeting, Administrator Yoon presented Korea's experience with the Lunar Orbiter Danuri (KPLO) and stated, "We will contribute as a responsible space partner by fulfilling our responsibilities through the mission's completion and disposal process, sharing successful approaches with the international community."
At the Global Space Leaders Summit, Administrator Yoon outlined Korea’s long-term exploration roadmap, with ambitious goals, including a lunar landing by 2032 and a Mars landing by 2045. "Korea will contribute as a reliable global partner in deep space exploration." He emphasized, underlining the nation’s growing ambitions in the space sector.
Throughout the IAC, KASA signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Spanish Space Agency (AEE), the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA), and the Australian Space Agency (ASA). These agreements further strengthened KASA’s strategic partnerships with emerging space agencies. The collaboration is expected to diversify space diplomacy, expand Korean space companies’ participation in global supply chains, foster advanced technology cooperation, and reinforce economic security.
In addition, KASA held meetings with the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). With CNES, KASA agreed to expand government-to-government collaboration into the private sector through the 5th Korea-France Space Forum, set to take place in Seoul at the end of October. Additionally, the first official meeting with CSA marked the beginning of ongoing discussions on future cooperation in areas such as Earth observation and space exploration.
KASA continued its bilateral meetings with both NASA and JAXA, with a focus on enhancing trilateral cooperation between Korea, the United States, and Japan. These discussions targeted space science and human exploration, including the Artemis program. At the same time, KASA signed an agreement with the European Space Agency (ESA) on deep space exploration and next-generation communication technologies. An MoU with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was also set to be signed to jointly pursue space projects, utilize science and technology infrastructure, and operate ground stations. This agreement is expected to further strengthen strategic partnerships, particularly with the Global South.
Meanwhile, KASA set up the Korea Pavilion at IAC 2025, where 12 Korean startups and SMEs showcased their technologies. The pavilion promotes Korea-developed technologies, including satellite-based early warning systems, high-resolution imaging, space environment testing equipment, and exploration rovers. It also seeks partnerships in next-generation areas such as small launch vehicles, space bio and space medicine research, and advanced 3D printing. This initiative is recognized as a representative example of implementing National Task 35, "Growing through Future Technologies and Advancing Globally for SMEs."
The pavilion also hosted a special event, "Korea Day," to provide a platform to highlight the achievements of domestic companies, including the development of space-grade components and the promotion of their capabilities. The event aims to secure a foothold for these companies in global markets, supporting their leadership in the evolving global supply chain and advancing technologies.
Administrator Yoon stated, "Building on the success of this IAC, KASA will expand strategic partnerships with the international community, strengthen economic security through advanced technology cooperation, and foster an innovative ecosystem based on public-private collaboration, all while striving to achieve Korea’s goal of becoming a G7+ diplomatic power and a future space leader."