Global Space Industry Experts Gather in Gyeongsangnam-do for '2026 International Space Industry Conference'

Experts from across the global space industry gathered in Gyeongsangnam-do, the center of South Korea's aerospace industry, to share views on the development of advanced space technologies and discuss international cooperation.

Gyeongsangnam-do held the 2026 International Space Industry Conference on October 21 at the Chilam Campus of Gyeongsang National University.

Following a special event in Seoul last year, the conference was held in Gyeongsangnam-do under the theme "Microsatellite Innovation and Global Partnerships."

More than 300 people attended, including experts from eight countries—the United States, Australia, Canada, Singapore, India, France, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic—as well as representatives from domestic industry, academia, research institutes and government, and local residents.

The 2026 International Space Industry Conference was held at Chilam Campus of Gyeongsang National University. [Photo courtesy of Gyeongsangnam-do]

At the event, John Lee, CEO of Aravir, who held senior positions at the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and served as the first head of the Space Mission Headquarters at the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), delivered a keynote address on "Global Space Economy Trends and the Direction of the Space Economy in the Era of Private-Sector Leadership."

Hyun Youngmok, acting director general of the Space Policy Bureau at the Korea Aerospace Administration, introduced the "Strategy for Fostering South Korea's Aerospace Industry."

Experts from overseas, including Australia (the Australian Embassy in Seoul), Canada (the Quebec Government Office in Seoul) and Singapore (SST), shared their countries' space industry policies and international cooperation strategies, including cooperation on ground station networks, the development of space industry clusters and integration into global supply chains.

Hanwha Aerospace and Hyundai Rotem presented plans for private-sector space launch vehicle projects and updates on the development of methane engines for reusable launch vehicles.

India's Astrobase gave a presentation on the next-generation space launch ecosystem.

Promotional booths were also set up at the venue by eight aerospace companies based in the province, including Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Hanwha Aerospace, Mecha TNS, TelePIX, UZURO Tech, GTL, Ilchem, Kencoa Aerospace and NDT Engineering.

The companies showcased key technologies and products in the aerospace sector, including satellites and launch vehicles, and explored opportunities to enter overseas markets with domestic and international experts and business representatives.

The event was livestreamed online, and an artificial intelligence (AI)-based real-time simultaneous interpretation system was introduced.

Gyeongsangnam-do Governor Park Wan-soo delivers welcoming remarks at the 2026 International Space Industry Conference. [Photo courtesy of Gyeongsangnam-do]

At the opening ceremony, Governor Park Wansoo said, "Space is no longer a realm of the future. It is now deeply woven into our daily lives and industries, from satellite communications and navigation to the defense industry and Earth observation. As countries around the world compete fiercely to secure leadership in the space industry, Jinju and Sacheon in Gyeongsangnam-do are at the heart of South Korea's space industry development."

He continued, "Four elements are needed to develop the space industry: first, government policy support; second, bold investment by businesses; third, technology development by universities and research institutions; and fourth, the creation of regional industrial ecosystems."

Governor Park emphasized that "Gyeongsangnam-do is building these conditions."

He added that the province is "working to attract business investment and research institutions, build space environment testing facilities and a satellite development innovation center, nurture talent, and improve living conditions, with the Korea Aerospace Administration at the center." He said, "Through these efforts, we will build an industrial ecosystem that makes Gyeongsangnam-do the first place domestic and international companies turn to when pursuing aerospace projects and partnerships."

Building on the conference, Gyeongsangnam-do plans to strengthen cooperation with space and aerospace organizations and businesses around the world, support the technological competitiveness of companies in the province and help them enter overseas markets, with the goal of developing the province into a global aerospace industry hub.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.