Australia and Korea to work together in space

On 10 December 2021, Australia and the Republic of Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate in space.

The MoU forms part of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

The MoU outlines areas of cooperation that are aligned with the priority areas within the Australian Civil Space Strategy 2019-2028.

The MoU will allow the Australian Space Agency and Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT to collaborate in a range of areas.

This include Earth observation, robotics and automation, space manufacturing, and launch.

Read the full statement below.

Memorandum of Understanding between the Australian Space Agency and The Ministry Of Science and ICT of the Republic Of Korea

The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources of the Government of Australia (hereinafter referred to as “DISER”) and the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as “MSIT”) and (hereinafter referred to individually as a “Participant” and collectively as the “Participants”);

EXPRESSING the desire to establish and develop mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of space activities on the basis of the principles of equality, partnership and mutual interest;

REAFFIRMING their commitment to the peaceful uses of outer space through international cooperation;

RECOGNISING the positive contribution that cooperation in space science, research, technology, services and applications will make to the development of relations and partnerships between the two countries, as well as their respective industries and academic and research institutions;

WISHING to further promote space cooperation for peaceful purposes; and

HAVING REGARD TO the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Government of Australia on Scientific and Technological Co-operation (1999),

HAVE REACHED THE FOLLOWING UNDERSTANDING:

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter referred to as the “MoU”) is to:

1. define areas of potential cooperation;
2. designate the Participants’ respective points of contact; and
3. define the procedure for implementing cooperation between the Participants, as well as between other Australian entities and other Korean entities;

2. Areas of potential cooperation

The Participants will discuss and identify potential collaborative opportunities, including in the following areas:

1. space science, including Leapfrog Research and Development;

2. space exploration for peaceful purposes;

3. earth observation, including remote sensing;

4. space situational awareness, space traffic management and debris management;

5. robotics and automation;

6. launch and launch services;

7. satellite navigation;

8. space manufacturing, including satellites;

1. use of space infrastructure;

10. exchange of views on space policy and legislation; and

11. training of personnel in space and related fields.

Other areas of potential cooperation may be added by mutual determination of the Participants.

3. Points of contact