Korea and the US Collaborate on Lunar and Deep Space Exploration... Space Aviation Agency and NASA Joint Statement

Joint Artemis and Lagrange Point (L4) Exploration
Strengthening the Space Alliance

Photo by DALE 2

The Korea Aerospace Agency (KASA) and the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have adopted a "Joint Statement on Cooperation in Space and Aeronautics Activities," agreeing to jointly pursue the Artemis lunar landing program as well as exploration of the Lagrange Point (L4). The space alliance between South Korea and the United States is expected to be significantly strengthened.

On the 19th (local time), KASA Administrator Yoon Young-bin held a bilateral meeting with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson at NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C., where they adopted the joint statement containing these details. This joint statement is a follow-up measure to the agreement made last April by the leaders of South Korea and the U.S. to elevate bilateral relations beyond military and economic alliances to a space alliance.

During the meeting, both sides discussed cooperation plans covering the entire spectrum of space and aeronautics development, including deep space exploration and lunar exploration. They also reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate on global issues such as space sustainability, space debris reduction, and space traffic management.

Yoon Young-bin, Administrator of the Space Aviation Agency (left), and Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator, are signing a joint statement after their first meeting at NASA headquarters on the 19th. Photo by NASA

The resulting joint statement outlines that the two countries will strengthen cooperation in lunar and deep space exploration centered on the Artemis program, and promote scientific research and knowledge advancement through international collaboration.

The scope of joint research will also be expanded to discover more promising innovative projects in areas such as space life sciences, lunar surface science, shared use of deep space antennas, future commercial low Earth orbit activities, solar physics, astrophysics, planetary science, Earth science, and aeronautics research. They will actively engage in technology exchange and human resource development as well.

To enhance space sustainability, they reaffirmed their joint commitment to develop and adhere to standardized procedures for information sharing related to space debris reduction, space traffic management, and space environment protection.

KASA and NASA also signed an agreement on L4 (Lagrange Point 4). The L4 agreement aims to jointly conduct mission concept design at the L4 point, where gravitational equilibrium is achieved between the Earth and the Sun.

The research includes defining mission concepts related to space environment studies at L4, exploring ways to improve space radiation safety and the efficiency of space exploration activities, as well as studies on data transmission, optical communication, and relay use at L4.

Both sides also agreed to discuss future arrangements for KASA’s expanded participation in the Artemis program through a research cooperation agreement with NASA.

Administrator Yoon Young-bin stated, “The signing of this joint statement marks an important step in opening a new chapter in the Korea-U.S. alliance in the space and aeronautics sector. It will be a crucial opportunity not only for South Korea’s leap as a space power but also for promoting humanity’s scientific discoveries and pioneering the future.” He emphasized, “KASA will continue to cooperate globally for sustainable space activities and strengthen South Korea’s role on the international space stage.”