Korean Aerospace University (KAU) and the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) co-hosted the Korea Aerospace Forum on Tue, Feb. 18 at the Air Force Hotel Convention Hall with immense success. It was organized to foster public–private partnership involving academia and the military in developing Korea’s space strategy, with Korean Air sponsoring the event.

The forum was held under the theme of ‘Korean military forces’ reactions to the expansion of neighboring countries’ aerospace power and the private sector’s role.’ Those who attended the forum included officials from KAU, ROKAF, Korean Air, Korean Institute for Defense Industry (KOIDI), Hanwha Systems, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), and LIG Nex1. The participants reached a consensus that changes in South Korea’s surroundings, such as the Trump administration’s shifting international initiatives and the expansion of China’s and North Korea’s space capabilities, calling for Korea to re-navigate its space strategies. Based on this shared notion, they exchanged in-depth discussions on leveraging space assets—emerging as a ‘game changer’ in the recent Russo-Ukrainian War—to enhance Korea’s military aerospace power.

ROKAF Chief of Staff General Lee Young-su and KAU President Hurr Hee-young delivered welcome remarks, highlighting the forum’s significance and expressing gratitude to attendees. General Lee stated, “Today’s forum provides a valuable opportunity to discuss collaboration between academia, industries, research institutions, and the military for aerospace advancement. By sharing and analyzing real-world cases of space power utilization in warfare, trends in neighboring countries’ space capabilities, and the latest space weapon developments, we can explore directions for strengthening national defense space power.” President Hurr responded, “KAU remains committed to supporting national security and Korea’s leap to rising as a powerhouse of space industries. We promise to serve as a hub for sharing its 73 years of aerospace education and research expertise with the private sector, government agencies, and the national military.”

His speech was followed by congratulatory messages from the National Assembly National Defense Committee Chairman Sung Il-jong and the People Power Party’s Representative Yoo Young-won. They praised the forum, stating, “We live in an era of increased uncertainties in security. During these times, we praise bringing together the public, private, and military sectors to discuss Korea’s space strategy.” The two also expressed appreciation for KAU’s role in facilitating these connections.

The opening keynote speech was delivered by KAU professor emeritus and former director of the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) Dr. Park Jong-seung. In his speech under the theme of ‘constructing space power as a security infrastructure,’ he stressed, “With neighboring countries advancing their space capabilities, it is now essential for Korea’s private and military sectors to formulate countermeasures and develop strategies for next-generation space weapon systems.”

The first session, held after lunch, featured private business representatives’ presentations on securing future military space power from an industrial perspective. Hanwha Systems Space & Air Team Lead Gwon Tae-hoon presented ‘proposals for future military space weapon systems,’ introducing Hanwha’s aerospace business roadmap. Meanwhile, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) Team Lead Jeong Yeon-jae discussed ‘utilizing reusable space vehicles for the space warfare era,’ advocating for their integration into military weapon systems. LIG Nex1 Research Fellow Hwang Hong-yun followed up with ‘key technologies for space-based surveillance,’ outlining the core technologies required for space domain awareness systems. Lastly, Korean Air Team Lead Lee Yoon-pyo proposed plans for ‘securing future military space power through airborne launch vehicles,’ highlighting their potential for rapid deployment of space assets.

The second session featured presentations by ROKAF and KAU. ROKAF Headquarters Space Center Colonel Jeong Hae-wook spoke on the ‘status and development strategies for space situational awareness,’ highlighting Korea’s need to enhance its space surveillance capabilities in response to ever-changing regional security dynamics.

The session concluded with a presentation from KAU Space System Technology Research Center, led by Professor Oh Hyun-woong. The center’s faculty underscored the importance of new-space Earth observation satellites (NEONSAT), saying, “Developing and utilizing NEONSTATS are indispensable for us to enhance surveillance and reconnaissance of North Korea and advance the ‘Kill Chain’ capability of Korea’s 3K (Kill Chain platform, Korea Air and Missile Defense system, and Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation plan) defense system.” He went on to propose strategies for utilizing small satellites to strengthen future military space capabilities. KAU Space System Technology Research Center was established in 2023 to consolidate the university’s space research and development efforts. Faculty members specializing in satellite and payload technologies collaborate to conduct research on satellite systems needed by both the government and industry.

Center Professors Yoon Ji-jung and Choi Yoon-hyuk introduced global case studies on military applications of CubeSats. Meanwhile, Professor Oh Hyun-woong presented on ‘space domain awareness using CubeSats,’ discussing the use of commercial products like GoPro cameras for space surveillance. He stated, “To shift Korea’s defense space development from a reactive to a leading position, universities must take the initiative in pre-validating technologies and integrating their findings into national defense space programs, creating a virtuous cycle of innovation.”

The forum welcomed over 200 attendees as they engaged in an open discussion on strategies to enhance Korea’s space power. Participants agreed that the event marked a significant turning point in public–private–military partnership and expressed anticipation for future discussions.