Aerospace Administration and NASA Sign Artemis Research Agreement
South Korea has laid the groundwork to participate in the US-led lunar and Mars exploration efforts.
The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) announced on the 30th that it has signed the Artemis Research Agreement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Following South Korea's signing of the Artemis Accords in 2021, this research agreement further strengthens cooperation between the two countries. Currently, only five countries, including South Korea, have signed the Artemis Research Agreement with NASA.
The Artemis Accords serve as an international framework for the sustainable development of lunar exploration and deep space missions, with 47 countries worldwide having joined.
With the signing of the Artemis Research Agreement, KARI and NASA will actively promote collaborative activities to establish a sustainable lunar exploration environment and prepare for Mars exploration. According to KARI, joint feasibility studies will be conducted across various fields, including lunar lander development, space communication and navigation systems, astronaut support tools development, space life sciences, and medical operations.
KARI evaluated that through this agreement, it has not only established a foundation for advanced technology development in space exploration and expanded cooperation opportunities with NASA but also created a stepping stone to gain international recognition for South Korea's technological capabilities. Furthermore, it has laid the groundwork to play a key role in mid- to long-term exploration activities, including Mars missions.
Yoon Young-bin, the director of KARI, emphasized, “This agreement marks a significant milestone in Korea-US space cooperation,” adding, “We expect that KARI will leap forward as an international leader in space exploration and play a pivotal role in lunar and deep space missions.”
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