1. The recent robust space activities, including the use of satellites, by many countries across the world have led to the steady increase in space waste, and such potential risks as collisions between space debris and satellites and the fall of space objects to the Earth. Under such circumstances, it is becoming increasingly important to ensure the safety of the space environment.

◦ The Science and Technology Satellite-3 put into orbit by the Republic of Korea faced the risk of a collision with space debris in September 2014 and again on January 4, 2015. As can be seen from this, the space debris issue is one that poses a threat to the ROK, which is actively pursuing space development.

◦ With regard to this space debris issue, the international community, led by the UN, has continuously been discussing the seriousness of the issue and ways to deal with it. The issue has also been subject of active discussion among leading space-active countries.

2. Amid such trends, the ROK and the US, in order to draw a common understanding and cooperate on the space waste issue as part of efforts to jointly address this global issue, agreed to regularly hold a consultation between the Director-General for International Organizations of the former’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, Verification and Compliance of the latter. Pursuant to the agreement, the two countries held the first Space Policy Dialogue at the US Department of State on January 8.

◦ The two countries noted with appreciation that their bilateral relations have been evolving into comprehensive global partnership since their bilateral summit talks held in April and November 2014. They agreed to further strengthen their global partnership for collaboration on global issues.

◦ For the two countries that have held policy consultations on cyberspace and other main sectors, the Space Policy Dialogue marked an extension of such joint efforts.

3. In the meeting, the ROK and the US, agreeing on the seriousness of the space waste issue, discussed ways to address it through cooperation on space situational awareness (SSA); work together to set international code of conduct (ICoC) for outer space activities; and cooperate at the UN and other international organizations with regard to the peaceful use of outer space. They agreed to hold the next, the second, meeting in 2016.

4. The two countries will continue to seek ways to contribute constructively to ensuring the safety of space through communication and cooperation to promote the peaceful use of outer space . 


                Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFA

* unofficial translation