Recent Developments in the Republic of Korea’s Space Policy: An Overview of Space Activities and National Laws

Abstract

Like other leading space-faring countries, the Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as ‘Korea’) has initiated its space programmes mainly via government-led research and development. Although Korea started its space development programme much later than other space-faring countries, it seems to have made remarkable progress in a relatively short period of time, including the development of satellites using indigenous space technologies, the Korea Space Launch Vehicles (KSLV-I, II) and the Korean space centre (Naro Space Centre). With regard to the national space legislation, the Korean space Acts seem to implement most of the elements recommended by the UN General Assembly. However, for a better development of space law and policy in Korea, it would be desirable if the following suggestions were taken into consideration: firstly, the scope of space activities that require a licence needs to be expanded; secondly, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) should be used instead of Korean won; thirdly, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) needs to have the status of a national space agency; and finally, the Korean government needs to invest more in space projects and actively foster the careers of future space professionals.