The Korea Aerospace Administration is pushing for membership as a non-member state of the European Space Agency (ESA). This is seen as a way to diversify global cooperation in space exploration and development amid growing uncertainty in U.S. space exploration policy under the Trump administration.
According to the Korea Aerospace Administration and the aerospace industry on the 7th, Administrator Yoon Young-bin explored the possibility of South Korea's non-member state membership in ESA during a bilateral meeting with ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher last month. The ESA side reportedly responded positively.
An industry official attending the Space Symposium noted, "ESA is preparing various events to mark its 50th anniversary this year and is also seeking ways to expand its influence," adding, "The needs of the Korea Aerospace Administration, which aims to strengthen the space alliance to mark its 1st anniversary, and ESA align perfectly."
The bilateral meeting between the Korea Aerospace Administration and ESA was held during the 40th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, United States. The Korea Aerospace Administration also sought cooperative measures with several national space agencies, including those from Germany, Italy, Australia, and Israel, at the Space Symposium.
ESA is an independent space development organization, operating separately from the European Union (EU), and its member states are not the same as those of the EU. Although the United Kingdom has withdrawn from the EU, it continues to participate as a member of ESA. All ESA member states are European countries, but Canada is among the non-member states. The Korea Aerospace Administration sees Canada as an example, suggesting that South Korea's potential non-member state membership in ESA is feasible.
To become a non-member state of ESA, South Korea must first become a cooperating country. The Korea Aerospace Administration reportedly explored the procedures for joining as a cooperating country and the potential for non-member state membership in the long term during this bilateral meeting. If South Korea succeeds in becoming a cooperating country and non-member state of ESA, it is expected to participate in various space exploration programs led by Europe.
The Korea Aerospace Administration is already collaborating with ESA on various space exploration missions. They have signed agreements for the development and operation of satellite navigation systems and are also cooperating in the joint operation of the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT).
In addition, the Korea Aerospace Administration is reviewing ways to cooperate in the exploration of the fourth Lagrange point (L4) that it is pursuing and the L5 exploration being conducted by ESA. A Lagrange point refers to a location where the gravitational forces of the Sun and the Earth balance, allowing for a stable position. South Korea is also seeking to participate in the Copernicus program, an Earth observation program information service being jointly pursued by ESA and the European Commission (EC).
Administrator Yoon Young-bin said, "The Korea Aerospace Administration will drive technological exchanges and mutual growth through cooperation that encompasses both developed countries and emerging ones, establishing itself as a core partner in international space collaboration."