Meridian International Center

Convening

Opportunities in Orbit: U.S.-ROK New Space Seminar & Reception

Opportunities in Orbit: U.S.-ROK New Space Seminar & Reception

Intergravity Technologies Found, CEO, & CTO, Keejoo Lee giving remarks at ROK-U.S. New Space Seminar on April 15, 2025, at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC. Photo by Oskar Dap. As space exploration continues to capture the global imagination, the partnership between the Republic of Korea and the United States serves as a dynamic engine for innovation, economic growth, and strategic alignment. With both nations advancing ambitious goals beyond Earth's orbit, their collaboration is not only expanding the frontier of space exploration but also reshaping the future of space commercialization.

On April 15, 2025, Meridian International Center—together with the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Korea AeroSpace Administration —convened leaders from U.S. and Korean space companies, and the civil space community. Held on the sidelines of the 4 th U.S.-ROK Civil Space Dialogue, the seminar focused on the rising potential of public-private partnerships in space and examined how evolving policy environments in both countries are opening new doors for cross-sector and cross-border cooperation.

This program was hosted as part of Meridian’s Space Diplomacy Initiative , which strives to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and effective policymaking while fostering global cooperation and advancing American leadership in space. The seminar featured keynote remarks from U.S. and Korean government officials, underscoring the value of bilateral engagement and the growing potential of space commerce. Thirteen Korean space companies presented pitches showcasing cutting-edge technologies and strategic approaches to civil space collaboration.

Together, these discussions highlighted the importance of fostering international public-private partnerships to advance both commercial and civil space cooperation. Keynote Speakers included: H.E. Hyundong Cho , Ambassador, Embassy of Korea; Minyoung Han , Director General, Korea Ministry of Foreign Affairs; T.H. Stuart Holliday , CEO, Meridian International Center; John Lee , Vice Administrator, Korea AeroSpace Administration; and Janice Starzyk , Acting Director and Deputy Director, U.S Department of Commerce.

Panelists from the U.S. government shared more about the U.S. regulatory and commercial space ecosystem. The U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Space Force, NASA, and the Federal Communications Commission were represented. The program also included pitches from 13 Korean space companies: BORYUNG; HANCOM InSpace; Hyundai Motor Company; InterGravity Technologies; Kolon Industries; LIG Nex1; Nara Space Technology; Perigee Aerospace; SONGWOL Technologies; Space Lintech; TelePIX; Texas Space Communications; and Unmanned Exploration Laboratory.

As space becomes an increasingly vital domain for scientific discovery, economic opportunity, and international cooperation, Track 1.5 dialogues like this gathering play a critical role in building the trust, networks, and shared vision needed to navigate a rapidly evolving civil and commercial space landscape. Meridian International Center is proud to serve as a platform for countries looking to elevate their space ambitions—connecting governments, industry leaders, and civil society to shape the future of space through dialogue, partnership, and innovation.

If your country or organization is interested in advancing space diplomacy with the United States, Meridian can be a resource. Please feel free to reach out to our team at mcde@meridian.org to learn more. Vice Administrator John Lee from the Korea AeroSpace Administration giving remarks at ROK-U.S. New Space Seminar on April 15, 2025, at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC. Photo by Oskar Dap. From left to right, Jason Kim (U.S.

Department of Commerce), Jonathan Adams (U.S. Department of State), Karl Kensinger (Federal Communications Commission), Andy Masciola (NASA), Merrick Garb (U.S. Space Force). Panelist seated for the Intro to U.S. Space Agencies and U.S.-ROK Space Relations segment of ROK-U.S. New Space Seminar on April 15, 2025, at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC. Photo by Oskar Dap. Director General Minyoung Han from the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs giving remarks at ROK-U.S.

New Space Seminar on April 15, 2025, at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC. Photo by Oskar Dap. H.E. Hyundong Cho (Embassy of Korea to the U.S.) giving remarks at reception of ROK-U.S. New Space Seminar on April 15, 2025, at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC. Photo by Meridian. From left to right, Moonryong Hwong (Korea Aerospace Administration), David Thomas (ASU Thunderbird), and Allison Nichols (ASU Thunderbird) at the ROK-U.S.

New Space Seminar on April 15, 2025, at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC. Photo by Oskar Dap. Janice Staryzk (U.S. Department of Commerce) giving remarks at ROK-U.S. New Space Seminar on April 15, 2025, at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC. Photo by Oskar Dap. From left to right, Frank Justice (Meridian International Center), Janice Starzyk (U.S. Department of Commerce), Director General Minyoung Han (Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs), and Vice Administrator John Lee (Korea AeroSpace Administration) posed together in the Linden Grove during a break at the ROK-U.S.

New Space Seminar on April 15, 2025, at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC. Photo by Oskar Dap. Sooyeon Shim, Vice President, Perigee Aerospace giving remarks at ROK-U.S. New Space Seminar on April 15, 2025, at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC. Photo by Oskar Dap. Ambassador Stuart Holliday, CEO, Meridian delivering opening remarks at ROK-U.S. New Space Seminar on April 15, 2025, at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC.

Photo by Oskar Dap Attendees network at the ROK-U.S. New Space Seminar on April 15, 2025, at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC. Photo by Oskar Dap. Boryung CEO Jung Gyun (Jay) Kim giving remarks at ROK-U.S. New Space Seminar on April 15, 2025, at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC. Photo by Oskar Dap. HANCOM InSpace Head Researcher, Dongeon Kim giving remarks at ROK-U.S. New Space Seminar on April 15, 2025, at Meridian International Center in Washington, DC.

Photo by Oskar Dap. Project summary Opportunities in Orbit: U.S.-ROK New Space Seminar & Reception | April 2025 Regions: East Asia and Pacific Countries: South Korea Impact Areas: Science and Technology Program Areas: Diplomatic Engagement , Technology, Innovation, & Space .