Progress in U.S.-Korea Space Cooperation

On April 14, 2025, the fourth United States–South Korea Civil Space Dialogue was held in Washington, D.C. Delegations from both countries reviewed progress on agreements and discussions in space, science, technology, commerce, and security.

Space Research and Missions: Joint Endeavor in Artemis Project

In October 2024, NASA and the Korean space agency KASA signed an agreement to collaborate on the Artemis project. Both sides are also discussing the use of Korean Deep Space Antennae (KDSA)

Human Spaceflight and Scientific Mission Prospects

South Korea announced plans to enhance its own human spaceflight capabilities. Discussions also included South Korea’s potential leadership in a mission to the Earth-Sun Lagrange Point 4 and participation in various NASA-led astrophysics missions.

A New Era in Earth Observation

Both countries agreed to strengthen collaboration on satellite data sharing for agriculture monitoring and disaster management, as well as the Landsat partnership through 2030 and the launch of the CAS500-4 satellite, expected in 2026. A joint report is also planned on the results of the successful ASIA-AQ mission in 2024.

Strategic Partnership in Astronomy and Space Weather

South Korea played a significant role in the successful launch of NASA’s SPHEREx telescope. Future cooperation will include participation in NASA’s IMAP and NOAA’s SWFO-L1 missions, along with increased joint research in space weather forecasting and related technologies.

Coordination Between Korean Positioning System (KPS) and GPS

The United States pledged support for the development of South Korea’s KPS, which will be integrated with the U.S. GPS system. Talks also included the potential establishment of KPS monitoring stations in the United States.

Cooperation in Commercial Space Sector

Following the success of the Seoul Space Industry Symposium in November 2023, both nations committed to continue working on commercial space support, lunar exploration, and strengthening supply chains. Progress is being made toward launching a lunar payload under the 2026 CLPS mission, in collaboration between NASA and KASI.

Regulatory and Export Control Dialogues

The two countries exchanged regulations on spaceport operations and launches. They also planned a new meeting focused on export control policies.

International Coordination on Space Security and Sustainability

Both parties emphasized the importance of improving space situational awareness, ensuring safe space travel, and developing policies for international information sharing.

Satellite Data for Maritime Security

To enhance maritime safety and address marine threats, the U.S. and South Korea discussed sharing satellite data and improving data infrastructure between their maritime agencies.

International and Trilateral Cooperation

The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation in international forums such as UN COPUOS, GEO, CEOS, APRSAF, and the U.S.–Japan–Korea trilateral space cooperation.

Future Dialogue and Delegations

Government representatives from agencies such as NASA, NOAA, USGS, FAA, FCC, KASA, KARI, KASI, KCG, and RDA participated in the dialogue. The next meeting will be held in South Korea in 2027.