- Vice Minister of Science and ICT and NASA discuss cooperation on Artemis lunar exploration
- Meets with Executive Secretary of the U.S. National Space Council and Korean researchers in NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
A delegation led by Vice Minister Cho SeongKyung of the Ministry of Science and ICT (“MSIT”; Minister Lee Jong-Ho) visited key U.S. space agencies including National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Space Council (NSpC), and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory from January 23 to 24, in an effort to enhance closer space cooperation with the U.S. with the upcoming establishment of the Korea Aerospace Administration.
Vice Minister Cho and NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy discussed cooperation in the Artemis lunar exploration during their meeting on January 23. Their meeting is a follow-up to the signing of the Joint Statement of Intent for Cooperation on Space Exploration and Science between the MSIT and NASA in April 2023, that aims to explore specific research cooperation items and facilitate continuous discussions. Both sides agreed to seek more cooperation between NASA and the Korea Aerospace Administration once it is officially created.
During the meeting, Deputy Administrator Melroy inquired about the direction of Korea's space policy and the goals of the Korea Aerospace Administration. In response, Vice Minister Cho explained, "It is going beyond the era of space economy ― to produce economic value through the space industry, create well-paying jobs, and ultimately benefit the Korean people."
The two sides decided to explore long-term cooperation in areas such as lunar rover and lunar communication network by integrating Korea's strengths in mobility, secondary batteries, 5G, autonomous driving, and nuclear technology into space exploration.
During her meeting with White House National Space Council (NSpC) Executive Secretary Chirag Parikh, Vice Minister Cho explained about the role of the Korea Aerospace Administration and its relationship with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI). Executive Secretary Parikh expressed strong expectations for the establishment of Korea's Aerospace Administration, and remarked how his attendance at the Korea-US Space Industry Forum last year affirmed how great synergies can be produced from the industries of Korea and the U.S. working together. He emphasized the importance of the government's commitment to surmount existing obstacles to industrial cooperation and support the growth of the industry.
On January 24, Vice Minister Cho visited NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory where she was briefed on the current state of developments and future R&D plans, including Mars rover missions and deep space network. She also met with around 20 Korean scientists working at JPL and discussed the upcoming Korea Aerospace Administration's operation plans, remuneration for the staff, and listened to the researchers' views on ways to attract the brightest talent.
Vice Minister Cho said, "The field of aerospace is not something a single country can excel on its own, but requires strategic cooperation among nations based on trust, in order to harness the technology as a force for good for humanity." She added, "I could could sense the elevated status of Korea in space through my visit to key U.S. space-related institutions. It is imperative to actively allocate both human and material resources to drive forward international space cooperation that serves all humanity."
For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.
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