"This Is Space Security": Korean Association for Space Security Holds Academic Conference

by Paek Jongmin

Published 09 May.2025 11:20(KST)

Updated 09 May.2025 16:27(KST)

The Korean Association for Space Security (KASS, President Jaewoo Lee) held its 2025 Spring Academic Conference on May 9, under the theme of "Policy and Technology Trends in Space Security."

Attendees of the Spring Academic Conference held on the 9th by the Korean Association for Space Security (KASS, President Jaewoo Lee) are taking a commemorative photo. Photo by Korean Association for Space Security

The conference began with a morning session presenting research trends in policy and technology within the field of space security. In the afternoon, the first session focused on space hazard monitoring and policy trends, while the second session addressed the development and utilization trends of space security assets, with presentations and discussions on related papers.

On the occasion of this academic conference, the association signed a tripartite MOU with the National Intelligence Service and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute. This agreement aims to enable the provision of research materials such as satellite imagery and satellite status information to academia and the private sector. The parties also agreed to continue cooperating to support and promote academic research on space security in the private sector.

In his opening remarks, President Jaewoo Lee emphasized, "The boundaries between civil and military, as well as between nation and enterprise, are being blurred in space. The miniaturization, clustering, and commercialization of the global satellite market are accelerating." He added, "Through this event, let us discuss policies and laws in the field of space security, the development and utilization of security assets, space monitoring, and advancements in space cyber capabilities, and explore opportunities for collaboration among academia, industry, and government."

Sangchul Lee, Director of KAIST Satellite Technology Research Center, and Jaewoo Lee, President of the Korean Space Security Society, are signing a cooperation MOU and taking a commemorative photo. Photo by Korean Space Security Society

In his welcoming address, Ohjun Yoon, the Third Deputy Director of the National Intelligence Service, stated, "Amid rapidly changing international circumstances, it is necessary to swiftly incorporate the convergence trends of advanced technologies such as space technology and artificial intelligence into security policies." He further emphasized, "Through the signing of this MOU, the National Intelligence Service will actively support the revitalization of space-related research by academia and the private sector."

In his congratulatory remarks, Sangchul Lee, Director of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, stated, "Space technology is emerging as a core element of national security, and I look forward to the association’s role in proposing policies and strategies in the field of space security." Jaeil Son, President of the Korea Association for the Advancement of Space Technology (and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace), said, "With the expansion of commercial space activities, the establishment of legal and institutional frameworks for the safe management of space assets and sustainable space development is a critical task."

The association highlighted that this academic conference was conducted through an open call, allowing participation not only from academia but also from various fields. A total of over 30 papers were presented across five categories: space policy and law, space hazard monitoring, security asset development, security asset utilization, and space system security, reflecting the high level of interest in space security.