Beyond the Earth lies a realm that has captivated the imagination of humankind for centuries: space. When tracing the origin of humanity, mankind has ventured beyond the emergence of life and the planet itself, reaching back to events that occurred within the first billionth of a second after the Big Bang. Exploring the universe expands the boundaries of knowledge and helps to find answers to the most profound questions about human existence. From the pioneering footsteps of Yuri Gagarin to the plans for Mars colonization, space travel has evolved from a dream to a reality. In September’s issue, *The Granite Tower* (GT) reflects upon the space industry, discusses ethical concerns surrounding it, and predicts the future of the Korean space industry.

Back in June, the submersible Titan embarked on a daring mission into the depths of the ocean. However, what was intended to be an extraordinary journey of discovery turned into a devastating catastrophe when the vehicle imploded, claiming the lives of its five passengers. This tragedy also raised profound ethical concerns about the pursuit of the unknown, be it beneath the waves or in the far reaches of space. Just as the sun *rises and shines* every day, exploring space propels mankind forward, illuminating new horizons of knowledge and understanding. The rapid growth of the space industry, fueled by a space race between billionaires and the development of technology, has opened a new frontier for human exploration. Humanity now stands on the brink of a new era, ready to embark on interstellar voyages that may have significant impacts for everyone.

Venturing into the Unknown

To date, the exploration of space has achieved many milestones, expanding the human race’s understanding of the universe. One of the most significant achievements in space exploration was the first human journey into outer space, accomplished by Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut, on April 12, 1961. Gagarin’s flight, though it lasted less than two hours, proved mankind’s ability to venture into space and inspired people to pursue careers in science and engineering. Building on this achievement, subsequent missions aimed to travel further into the cosmos. The Apollo program, run by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from 1968 to 1972, succeeded in landing humans on the Moon. The world was captivated when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed their Apollo Lunar Module (LM) and set foot on the lunar surface. The program also contributed greatly to understanding the Moon’s composition and geological history by bringing back lunar rocks and soil.

In the 1980s, the Space Shuttle Program (SSP) served the purpose of servicing satellites and space stations in orbit, though it failed to fulfill its original goal of attaining reliable access to space. Another remarkable achievement arrived in the 1990s with the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope. As reported by NASA, the Hubble has collected more than 1.5 million observations, including images of a comet colliding with Jupiter, the moons around Pluto, and galaxies merging, which has changed the fundamental understanding of the universe. Satellites and robotic spacecraft have also played an important role in the space industry. Since the launch of Sputnik 1, Earth’s first artificial satellite, in 1957, extraterrestrial machines have been gathering valuable information about the solar system and beyond. These orbiting satellites continue to provide invaluable services to those on Earth – from providing data on weather patterns to enabling the instant transfer of voice, images, and data across the globe.

Advancements in technology have been crucial in reaching these milestones. However, it should be noted that the space industry encompasses more than just technology; international cooperation has also played a vital role in advancing space exploration. For example, a partnership of space agencies from the United States (U.S.), Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada provides and operates the elements of the International Space Station (ISS). NASA claims that the program brings international flight crews, multiple launch vehicles, globally distributed launches, and development facilities together. Since launching its first component in 1998, the ISS has served as a platform for scientific experiments, technological demonstrations, and various space missions.

Significant attention has also focused on whether Mars colonization will be the next milestone. For instance, according to *Khaleej Times*, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced a plan to establish a settlement on Mars by 2117 at the 2017 World Government Summit. Additionally, the Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) has proposed the SpaceX Mars Program, which aims to land cargo starships on Mars by 2024 and crewed starships by 2026. These ambitions show mankind’s desire to transcend the limits and explore new frontiers. Likewise, the achievements in the space industry show the potential of humanity to venture into the unknown.

Global Space Industry Dynamics

Due to the new wave of key players and the space race craze among billionaires, there has been a surge of interest and activity in the space industry in recent years. China has emerged as a core player in the space industry, operating one of the most active space programs worldwide. With spacecraft reaching as far as the Moon and Mars, China has conducted multiple complex extraterrestrial exploration missions, including landings and even sample returns. According to *The New York Times*, China's space program has plans to explore the Moon, Mars, and the broader Solar System.

Simultaneously, the space race among billionaires has also garnered public attention, with Elon Musk establishing SpaceX, Jeff Bezos starting Blue Origin, and Richard Branson founding Virgin Galactic in the early 2000s. These companies have invested heavily in advanced technology, with the founders even succeeding in venturing into space. Private space ventures by billionaires have long been controversial because large investment in space tourism may lead to new discoveries that can benefit humanity, but it may neglect problems that need urgent attention, such as world hunger. However, these billionaires have promoted innovation within the space industry, lowering the costs of space travel and fostering competition.

Unlike other countries where the private sector is actively engaged in space projects, such as the U.S. and China, Korea has yet to significantly expand its space industry. Professor Yoon Youngbin (Department of Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University) argues that South Korea’s space technology is not particularly competitive when compared with advanced spacefaring nations. “The Falcon 9 launch vehicle built by SpaceX can transport about 22.8 tons of payload to low Earth orbit, and the cost per launch is around 90 billion Korean won (KRW). In contrast, the South Korean Nuri rocket can carry approximately 3.3 tons of payload to low Earth orbit, and the estimated cost per launch is around 120 to 140 billion KRW. This means that the cost per unit of payload for Nuri is about 10 times higher than that of Falcon 9,” added Professor Yoon. He emphasized the importance of developing low-cost, reusable launch vehicle technology in the future. As the global space industry continues to evolve, Korea must recognize the importance of active engagement and investment because it can shape the future of the space industry.

Behind the Scenes of Space Exploration

What has spurred the fierce competition in the space industry? The motivations fueling this ever-evolving industry are varied and complex, yet the profound insights from Professor Kim Hae Dong (Department of Aerospace and Software Engineering, Gyeongsang National University) illuminate our deep-rooted motivations. He posits that our innate curiosity, a trait deeply embedded within human nature, is a primary driver. Stemming from our evolutionary journey on Earth, humans have long gazed at the stars, yearning to know our place in the universe and driven by the urge to fly as birds do.

Throughout history, humanity’s journey has been characterized by relentless exploration. We’ve moved from traversing Earth’s uncharted terrains to understanding the principles of the universe, as laid down by pioneers like Copernicus, Brahe, Kepler, and Newton. Our forays into the cosmos stand as a testament to our ever-present desire to expand our understanding and push the boundaries of known horizons. Such curiosity, as Professor Kim highlights, has acted as the catalyst for technological development and the present-day space race, with humans looking towards space not just for knowledge but also to secure a future for subsequent generations.

The myriad challenges associated with space exploration have ignited waves of technological innovation. Such endeavors have yielded tools and methodologies that have reshaped our terrestrial existence. Satellite technology, a brainchild of our space endeavors, has revolutionized communications, enhanced weather predictions, and refined navigation, bringing with it a slew of economic opportunities. Now, beyond just exploration, space represents a beacon of economic growth, from satellite-based services to prospective asteroid mining and the burgeoning domain of space tourism.

Space capability is also intrinsically tied to notions of security and national prowess. It reflects a nation’s technological, and military might, extending national influences beyond our planetary confines. As geopolitical dynamics play out, space has become an indispensable domain, bolstering national security initiatives, and enhancing surveillance, reconnaissance, and communication capabilities. Additionally, as Professor Kim emphasized, one of the ultimate pursuits of space exploration is ensuring humanity’s survival. Considering existential threats like climate change and potential cosmic calamities, the idea of expanding human settlements beyond Earth emerges as a pragmatic, if not essential, endeavor. Thus, it is evident that curiosity, innovation, survival, and economic prospects collectively fuel the rapid ascent of the space industry, with these motivations set to steer humanity’s journey amongst the stars. 

Ethical Dilemmas of Space Industry

As mankind ventures further into the cosmos, complex ethical concerns that stretch far beyond technological and financial considerations have emerged. Professor Kim Hae Dong (Department of Aerospace & Software Engineering, Gyeongsang National University) highlighted the ambiguity of current international space regulations. The blurry lines of ethical guidelines regarding celestial territories, such as the moon or Mars, have led to commercial activities that tread in uncharted waters of legality. For instance, while land on these celestial bodies is being virtually traded online, no definitive regulations or sanctions exist to deem such transactions as legal or illegal.

Inclusivity is also a crucial issue that should be addressed. According to National Geographic, “most astronauts have been white, male and military,” leading to skewed perspectives and priorities. As space travel epitomizes the collective aspirations and curiosity of mankind, it must encompass various gender, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Ensuring diversity is a challenge to the space industry, making the cosmic journey truly representative and a shared experience for all. Promoting greater diversity in space exploration is not only about providing opportunities for underrepresented groups but also about fostering a richer and more inclusive understanding of exploration.

Expanding our footprint beyond Earth beckons a myriad of ethical quandaries. Humans must evaluate their right to utilize resources from other celestial bodies. As highlighted by Professor Kim, despite frameworks like the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which advocates the peaceful use of space, the rapid advancement in space technologies and capabilities of many nations makes the current treaties seem outdated. Major powers have been escalating their space activities, hinting at the future potential of territorial expansion and resource exploitation.

The commercialization of space also adds further complexities. With billionaires funding their private space ventures, considerations such as profit motivations versus the public good have come into play. The nascent space tourism industry raises questions about accessibility and the potential for monopolies, while the safety and rights of astronauts in privately-run missions also need to be addressed. On a broader level, there is a need for regulations and accountability measures to ensure commercial space activities are conducted responsibly and ethically.

Currently, space travel is primarily governed by a series of international treaties, such as the Outer Space Treaty (1967), which establishes principles such as the exploration of space for the benefit of all mankind, prohibition of the national appropriation of celestial bodies, and the non-militarization of space. The Liability Convention (1972) holds nations responsible for any damage their space objects cause, and the Registration Convention (1975) obliges nations to share information about their space objects. However, these treaties have limitations because they were drawn up in a Cold War context in anticipation of state-led space activity, and they lack clear stipulations regarding private actors, space traffic management, or the mitigation of space debris. Furthermore, they do not provide specific regulations for the commercial exploitation of outer space resources, which has grown significantly with advances in technology and the increased capabilities of private corporations.

Humans must also consider the political implications of space exploration. The impact on international relations can be considerable, as nations grapple with questions of territory, resource rights, and the potential militarization of space, which has serious implications for global security and peaceful cooperation among nations. These ethical dilemmas necessitate careful, inclusive, and forward-thinking dialogue among all stakeholders, including governments, private companies, international organizations, and the public. As humans stand on the precipice of a new era in space exploration, actions today will shape not only their future in space but also their understanding of responsibilities beyond the confines of Earth.

The Future of the Korean Space Industry

The South Korean space industry has produced some notable achievements, such as the successful launches of the Nuri rocket and Danuri. Professor Yoon mentions that recent triumphs such as the third launch of Nuri in June highlight that South Korea is ready to join the ranks of nations capable of space exploration on their own. The Fourth Basic Plan for Space Development, which outlines the plans after Nuri and Danuri and a roadmap for strategic technology development in the space industry, is gradually taking shape. Though it is too early to fully assess these plans, it is evident that they aim to enhance Korea’s capabilities and international competitiveness in the space industry.

“We have now entered an era where private entities are taking the lead in space development to such an extent that it is referred to as “New Space”. The space industry is experiencing rapid growth, indicating that future space competition among advanced nations is expected to become even more fierce,” says Professor Yoon. To ensure a bright future for the Korean space industry, efforts should be made to encourage more private companies to enter the industry, to diversify human resources, and to strengthen space-related education. Fostering space education among the public is also crucial to promote creative ideas and promote diversity in human resources.

The importance of investing in space cannot be overemphasized because it stimulates scientific discoveries, facilitates technological developments, and unveils new economic opportunities. Though it is not currently a significant power, the future of the Korean space industry has immense potential. According to the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), Korea has invested 874.2 billion KRW in space development this year, which is a 19.5 percent increase compared to last year. This illustrates the nation’s commitment to the growth and advancement of the space industry, suggesting that Korea can unlock its potential and establish itself as a key player in the global space industry.

The space industry transcends technological advancement. The cosmos does not merely serve as a theater for scientific feats and technological prowess but also acts as a mirror reflecting our values, hopes, and concerns as a species. It also affects every human being on Earth, regardless of nationality or geographic location. Countries around the world, including Korea, have experienced the impact of space-related activities. Meteorological satellites hovering in the sky influence humanity's weather predictions, Global Positioning System (GPS) services guide daily commutes, and images of the Earth captured from space inspire and unite people, reminding them of their shared home.

While Korea might not yet be a significant player in space travel and may not be able to directly invest in the industry to the extent of countries like the U.S. or China, this does not have to limit its potential contributions to the field. Korean scientists and researchers can engage in collaborative international research, contributing to the collective knowledge and understanding of the universe. The country's technology sector, renowned for its innovation, could offer advancements in areas such as satellite technology, communication systems, and robotics for space missions. Korean policymakers can also contribute to international discussions on space ethics, regulations, and cooperative frameworks, helping to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future in space.

At the dawn of this new space age, every nation has a unique role to play. Korea's journey in the space industry, like all nations, is not just about reaching the stars but also about enriching our earthly existence, fostering international cooperation, and guiding the collective journey with shared principles and values. Space is a common frontier, and exploring it should reflect shared aspirations and responsibilities, serving as a beacon for the human capacity to dream, innovate, and, most importantly, unite.