Gov. Park hopes event leads to 'tangible results' including exports; experts from 8 countries discuss global cooperation

The 2026 International Space Industry Conference [South Gyeongsang Province]
The 2026 International Space Industry Conference [South Gyeongsang Province]

The 2026 International Space Industry Conference, held under the theme "Nanosatellite Innovation and Global Partnership," opened Wednesday at the Chiram Campus of Gyeongsang National University in Changwon.

Returning to South Gyeongsang Province after a special edition in Seoul last year, the conference drew about 300 participants — including experts from eight countries: the United States, Australia, Canada, Singapore, India, France, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic — alongside domestic representatives from industry, academia, research institutions and government. Attendees discussed the latest trends in the global space industry and avenues for international cooperation.

South Gyeongsang Province Governor Park Wan-su said at the opening ceremony that it was meaningful to gather with experts from around the world in South Gyeongsang Province, which he described as the heart of South Korea's aerospace industry, to discuss technological innovation and international cooperation in the space sector. "I hope this conference goes beyond a simple exchange of information and leads to tangible results — including joint international research and export and investment cooperation between companies," Park said.

The keynote address was delivered by John Lee, CEO of Aravir, who previously held senior positions at NASA and served as the inaugural head of the Space Mission Directorate at Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA). He spoke on global space economy trends and the direction of the space economy in an era of private-sector leadership. In a session on space industry policy and global cooperation, Hyeon Yeong-mok, acting director of KASA's Space Aerospace Policy Bureau, outlined South Korea's strategy for fostering its aerospace industry.

International experts also shared their countries' space industry policies and cooperation strategies, covering ground station network collaboration, space industry cluster development and global supply chain integration. Speakers included representatives from Australia's embassy in Seoul, the Quebec Government Office in Seoul representing Canada, and SST from Singapore.

In a session on the latest launch vehicle technology and industry outlook, Hanwha Aerospace and Hyundai Rotem presented their plans for advancing private-sector space launch vehicle projects and provided updates on the development of reusable launch vehicle methane engines. Promotional booths operated by eight South Gyeongsang Province-based aerospace companies — including KAI, Hanwha Aerospace and Mecatns — were also set up at the venue.

South Gyeongsang Province said it plans to use the conference as a springboard to strengthen the technological competitiveness of local companies and support their entry into overseas markets, with the goal of developing the province into a global hub for the aerospace industry.


ook967@heraldcorp.com