Currently, each agency is reviewing cooperation between the projects they are pursuing, but I am confident that in the future, the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) could plan new projects together. ESA is an organization that operates collectively with several countries. It has grown through internal collaboration and has worked with space agencies from various countries, including Japan and the United States. This visit aims to prepare for cooperation with South Korea.

South Korea and Europe will begin serious cooperation in the development of space technology and space science research. The European Space Agency (ESA), which oversees Europe’s space development, is jointly operated by 23 member countries. It was officially launched in May 1975 and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, reflecting its deep history. It is also one of the leading agencies in space development alongside the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Eric Morel, Director General of strategy, legal affairs, and international cooperation at ESA, met with CHOSUNBIZ on the 15th at the Sacheon Aerospace Administration and noted, "After meeting with the Korea Aerospace Administration last October, I concluded that now is a suitable time to start cooperation with South Korea," adding, "I was able to confirm Korea’s commitment to fostering the space sector with the establishment of the space agency."

Eric Morel, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), meets with CHOSUNBIZ at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute on Nov. 15, stating, "Korea and Europe can collaborate to develop a navigation device that can be used on the moon." /Courtesy of Korea Aerospace Research Institute

Director General Morel identified satellite navigation systems (GPS) and space weather as areas for cooperation with South Korea. This suggests that there is a potential for synergy through the projects that South Korea and ESA are pursuing separately. If this cooperation is successful, he also revealed that in the future, it may be possible to develop navigation systems necessary for a lunar habitation era in collaboration with South Korea.

He explained, "As humans advance to the moon in the future, navigation systems will also be necessary at that time," adding, "If a navigation system for lunar exploration is developed, it could help not only South Korea and Europe but all countries venturing to the moon."

The development of lunar navigation systems is expected to begin with cooperation on GPS systems used on Earth. South Korea and Europe are preparing to build independent GPS systems, known as Korea's GPS (KPS) and Galileo, respectively. KPS is a 'region-limited GPS' that places satellites in geostationary orbits for use in areas near the Korean Peninsula. In contrast, Galileo offers a 'global navigation satellite system (GNSS)' that can be used worldwide.

ESA has adopted a method to deploy Galileo satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) to enhance accuracy and signal strength. KPS satellites are placed in high-altitude geostationary orbits (GEO) and inclined orbits. This method allows for obtaining position information in a specific area with a relatively small number of satellites, available 24 hours a day.

Visualization of the mission performance of the Korean-style GPS (KPS) satellite. /Courtesy of KAI

There have also been opinions in South Korea that KPS satellites should be placed in LEO to improve signal strength and increase the ability to respond to jamming attacks. If South Korea and Europe cooperate in constructing both systems, they could utilize each other's strengths to build a highly accurate GPS system at a lower expense.

Director General Morel remarked, "South Korea and Europe already have a strong cooperative relationship in the field of navigation systems," adding, "By enhancing interoperability, we can improve the quality of the systems."

Cooperation will also take place in the exploration of the 4th Lagrange point (L4) being pursued by the Korea Aerospace Administration and L5 exploration being carried out by ESA. The Lagrange points are areas where the gravitational forces of the sun and Earth are balanced, allowing a stable position to be maintained. By combining the long-term observational results from each exploratory spacecraft regarding solar activity, the accuracy of predictions related to space weather can be improved.

Director General Morel suggested that "it is also possible to share the payloads developed by each agency to collect the same data from various locations," adding, "This is a method that enables the acquisition of more information than performing projects separately."

ESA and the Korea Aerospace Administration plan to create a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and a letter of implementation (IA) in June, and the specific cooperation plans will be determined at a senior-level meeting as early as October. He noted, "ESA is an agency that has grown based on the cooperation of its member countries, and understands the importance of collaboration," adding, "This could be an opportunity to foster both space technology and the space industry through bilateral cooperation."