Seoul: A Seoul official emphasized setting norms, securing a reliable supply chain for the space economy, and ensuring national security as priority areas for space-domain cooperation between South Korea and the United States. Han Min-young, director general for climate change, energy, environment, and scientific affairs at Seoul's foreign ministry, made these remarks during a forum hosted by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the forum followed the fourth Civil Space Dialogue held in Washington, where Seoul and Washington discussed expanding cooperation in lunar exploration, satellite navigation, maritime domain awareness, and other areas. Han highlighted the importance of establishing space norms due to the increasing number of actors and economic players in the space sector. She expressed South Korea's eagerness to contribute to setting these norms.
Han emphasized the necessity of a secure, trusted, and reliable supply chain in the space economy, noting the crucial role of trusted partners and allies like the Korea-U.S. alliance in achieving this goal. She also reiterated South Korea's commitment to not conduct direct ascent anti-satellite (ASAT) missile tests, aligning with the U.S.' stance to enhance the sustainability of outer space.
Karen Feldstein, associate administrator at NASA's Office of International and Interagency Relations, acknowledged NASA's 23 agreements with 11 different institutions in South Korea. She highlighted the significance of the partnership, noting that it spans every one of NASA's missile areas and aligns with national interests, furthering priorities and advancing the space economy.