April 30 is the founding anniversary of the Space Association of Korea.

The association was established in 2016 when the DPRK successfully put its earth observation satellite Kwangmyongsong 4 into orbit.

Since it was inaugurated, the association has accelerated development and use of space, common asset of mankind, through active space technology exchange at home and abroad, contributing to economic construction of the country and the improvement of the people’s livelihood.

According to its regulations, the association holds more than two plenary meetings and conferences every year to regularly review its annual work and take measures and organizes symposiums, exhibitions, short courses, practical training, visits and others to improve the scientific and technical qualifications of its members and encourage them to develop technologies related to space.

It also conducts an annual space sci-tech workshop.

The workshop is held divided into panels of artificial earth satellite, satellite observation and communications, space materials and elements, space environment and basic science and applied technology.

It is attended by many members of the association including scientists, technicians, lecturers and researchers of space technology development and application sectors.

They present valuable papers on technology for satellite navigation and trajectory and attitude control, technology for developing satellite cameras, satellite communication technology, technology for predicting and estimating various natural disasters using satellite data and others and conduct academic exchange in depth to resolve urgent problems arising in developing space science and technology of the country.

The association regularly issues “Journal of the Space Association of Korea” edited with papers rated excellent at such workshops to diffuse science and technology needed for space development and application.

It also built up an advanced space science and technology database to conduct domestic service activities.

Meanwhile, it is realizing cooperation and exchange with space-related organizations in other countries and international organizations in the development and use of space on the principle of mutual protection.

Papers it presented to the International Symposium on Aviation and Aerospace System Engineering held in China’s Shanghai and Beijing in May 2019 and 2021 and the International Conference on Mechanical Engineering Automation Science held in Wuhan and Xian in October 2022 and 2023 were rated.

At present, Kwon Ryong, member of the association, works as full member of the Hong Kong Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Thanks to the positive activities of the association, public interest in space development and use continues to grow in the DPRK.