Aerospace Administration Heads to U.S. Space Industry Sites... Launches 'Practical Diplomacy' for Korean Companies' Entry into American Market

Fourteen Companies Specializing in Launch Vehicles, Satellites, and Components Join Delegation
Seeking Opportunities for Technical and Market Collaboration at NASA and SpaceX

The Aerospace Administration has dispatched a public-private delegation to the United States to support the entry of domestic space companies into the American market, aiming to establish a foundation for practical cooperation in the global space industry. Moving beyond simple exchanges, the goal is to directly assess local demand and technical standards, and to launch a company-centered, “practical international cooperation” initiative in earnest.

On January 27, the Aerospace Administration announced that it had sent a public-private delegation to the United States, led by Deputy Administrator Noh Kyungwon. The delegation includes 14 domestic space companies specializing in launch vehicles, satellites, and space components, who will seek to build networks and explore cooperation opportunities with the U.S. government and American companies.

A panoramic view of NASA Kennedy Space Center located in Florida, USA. The civil-military delegation from the Aerospace Administration visited this site to inspect the launch vehicle operation system and the private sector open infrastructure. Provided by NASA

The delegation’s first stop was NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, where they examined the U.S. launch vehicle operation system and the use of space infrastructure open to the private sector. Korean companies focused on understanding the operational structure of U.S. public space programs and the technical and administrative requirements necessary for market entry through discussions with local experts.

Next, the delegation visited Blue Origin’s rocket assembly plant in an industrial complex near Kennedy Space Center to observe the large-scale assembly process of the reusable launch vehicle “New Glenn.” By directly witnessing the advanced, privately driven manufacturing and operation systems for launch vehicles, the delegation reviewed production and process models that domestic companies can reference.

The delegation also plans to visit SpaceX’s production and assembly sites to explore the potential for establishing technical cooperation channels. The Aerospace Administration expects this visit to serve as an opportunity to identify points of convergence between the technological capabilities of Korean companies and the demands of the U.S. market.

Finally, the delegation will visit NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to review trends in deep space exploration technologies and, through meetings with Korean scientists working locally, discuss the technical requirements and cooperation possibilities for major exploration missions. Through this, domestic companies will assess their current technological standing and refine their mid- to long-term strategies for global expansion.

Noh Kyungwon, Deputy Administrator of the Aerospace Administration, stated, “This will be an opportunity for Korean companies to gain practical knowledge and networks at the world’s top sites,” adding, “We will continue to expand international cooperation to support the global advancement of private companies.”