[Full Text] Korea-US Joint Statement on Space Exploration and Space Science Cooperation

The Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States announced a "Joint Statement for Cooperation on Space Exploration and Space Science" on the 25th (local time), agreeing to strengthen detailed cooperation in the field of space development. The following is the full text of the statement.

Joint Statement Text (English)

Joint Statement of Intent for Cooperation on Space Exploration and Space Science between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration of the United States of America and the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea

25 April 2023

Building upon a history of successful cooperation in space and aeronautics activities between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (hereinafter referred to as “NASA”) and the Ministry of Science and ICT (hereinafter referred to as “MSIT”);

Considering NASA’s and MSIT’s shared commitment to the Artemis Accords and the principles of creating a safe, transparent, peaceful, and prosperous future in space for the United States, the Republic of Korea, and the world; and

Recognizing the importance of space exploration for future scientific development and the advancement of human knowledge, and a mutual interest of NASA and MSIT in advancing exploration in a sustained manner through mutually beneficial cooperation,

NASA and MSIT desire to continue discussions on potential cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as space communications and navigation, including utilization of the Korea Deep Space Antenna for the NASA Deep Space Network; science and technology research at or on the Moon, including at the Gateway, the NASA-led international outpost orbiting the Moon; space science including in the fields of heliophysics, astrophysics, planetary science, and Earth science; and activities to further enhance future space exploration such as biological and physical sciences research and activities on the lunar surface, including mobility and robotics and utilizing the Republic of Korea’s expertise in hydrogen cells.

NASA and MSIT also confirm their mutual interest in developing an agreement or agreements to study concepts for cooperation in the aforementioned areas that could lead to advances in exploration and scientific discovery. In furtherance of this development, NASA and MSIT will identify the proper points of contact, including within the upcoming Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), to initiate these discussions. Once possible cooperative concepts sufficiently mature, any joint activities to be carried out as a result of the discussions will be implemented through appropriate international agreements.

For the National Aeronautics For the Ministry of Science and ICT

and Space Administration

____________________________ ______________________________

Pam Melroy Jong-Ho Lee

Deputy Administrator Minister

Attachment 2-2

Joint Statement Text (Korean)

Joint Statement for Cooperation on Space Exploration and Space Science between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States of America and the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) of the Republic of Korea

25 April 2023

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration of the United States of America (hereinafter referred to as “NASA”) and the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as “MSIT”) enter into this joint statement based on a history of successful cooperation in space and aeronautics activities between the two parties.

NASA and MSIT, based on their shared commitment to the Artemis Accords and the principles of creating a safe, transparent, peaceful, and sustainably prosperous future in space for the United States, the Republic of Korea, and the world,

Recognize the importance of space exploration for future scientific development and the advancement of human knowledge, and acknowledge their mutual interest in advancing exploration in a sustainable manner through mutually beneficial cooperation,

Agree to continue exploring potential cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as space communications and navigation, including utilizing the Republic of Korea’s deep space antenna for NASA’s deep space network; science and technology research on or around the Moon, including the Gateway, the NASA-led international outpost orbiting the Moon; space science fields including heliophysics, astrophysics, planetary science, and Earth science; and activities to enhance future space exploration such as biological and physical sciences research on the lunar surface, mobility, robotics, and utilizing the Republic of Korea’s expertise in hydrogen fuel cells.

NASA and MSIT confirm their mutual intention to develop one or more agreements to study cooperation concepts in the aforementioned areas that could lead to significant advances in space exploration and space science. To this end, NASA and MSIT agree to share appropriate points of contact, including the soon-to-be-established Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), to initiate discussions. Once cooperative concepts mature sufficiently, joint activities resulting from these discussions will be implemented through appropriate agreements.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea

__________________ ______________________________

Pam Melroy Jong-Ho Lee

Deputy Administrator Minister