S. Korea, France move to expand cooperation for space development

SEOUL, May 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and France agreed to expand cooperation in the development of space and rockets to create new growth opportunities going forward, the science ministry said Friday.

At a space forum gathering in Seoul, representatives from the two countries supported ongoing efforts to strengthen the comprehensive cooperation partnership and the building of stronger networks, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT.

They discussed various issues ranging from space security, rockets to the merging of space-related projects with the ongoing drive towards the fourth industrial revolution.

The fourth industrial revolution refers to highly connected digital economy buttressed by technological breakthroughs that is expected to fuel innovative economic growth.

Seoul and Paris are coordinating policies on space security, while South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace, KAI, France's Arianespace and National Centre for Space Studies are exploring new opportunities in space rockets services, enhancing the reliability of launch vehicles, according to the ministry.

The two sides, in addition, agreed to increase exchanges of experts in the space and aerospace sector to further solidify cooperative relations.

yonngong@yna.co.kr
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