NIS Launches Public-Private Council on 'Space Security'

Enhancing Civilian-Led Space Security Capabilities

With the advent of a private sector-led space development era, intelligence authorities have established a public-private cooperation channel to enhance space security capabilities and revitalize the space industry.

The National Intelligence Service announced on the 12th that it has launched the public-private consultative body for space security, the "New Space Crew." At the launch ceremony held on the 8th, nine companies including Hanwha Aerospace, Korea Aerospace Industries, LIG Nex1, Hanwha Systems, Satrec Initiative, Hanyang ENG, i3 System, AP Satellite, and Contec, as well as four institutions including the Korean Association for Space Security, Korea Aerospace Research Institute, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, and KAIST Space Research Institute attended.

Kim Byung-gi, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is talking with Kim Nam-woo, Director General of the National Intelligence Service's Planning Office, on the 29th before the National Assembly Intelligence Committee's audit of the National Intelligence Service held at the NIS in Naegok-dong, Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

"New Space" is a concept contrasting with the government-led "Old Space," meaning that the private sector leads space development. Recently, the private sector has achieved results in the domestic small satellite and space launch vehicle fields, and aims to strengthen capabilities through public-private investment.

At the launch ceremony, a discussion was held on space security and industry in the New Space era, and the National Intelligence Service explained that a consensus was formed on the importance of innovation in incidents and systems, such as establishing certification systems and strengthening government support. Discussions on the future role of the consultative body were also conducted.

Yoon Oh-jun, the 3rd Deputy Director of the National Intelligence Service, emphasized, "Outer space is expanding as a new national security domain," and added, "Taking this consultative body's launch as an opportunity, we will efficiently introduce and operate space security-related assets and strengthen win-win cooperation with the private sector to enhance capabilities."