Proceedings of the Workshop - United Nations Office for Outer ...

key treaties, new developments in space technology and the rapid growth of commercial spaceactivities require us to revisit the current state of national and international law on outer space.Against this backdrop, I sincerely hope that this workshop will provide space-faring andnon-space-faring nations alike with a precious opportunity to promote the understanding of outerspace law and encourage the early ratification of the treaties.Ladies and Gentlemen,Taking this opportunity, I would now like to briefly outline the recent progress Korea hasmade in its space program. As a latecomer in the field of space exploration, the Republic of Koreaaims to become a fully-fledged space-faring nation in the near future. Since the launching of ourfirst experimental satellite in 1992, we have endeavoured to build satellites with our owntechnology. Last September, the first Korean science satellite of indigenous design, calledSTSAT, was successfully placed into the orbit. Under the 'National Long-Term Plan on SpaceDevelopment, we will build a space centre in the southern part of the Korean peninsula for thelaunching of small satellites using Korean-made launch vehicles by the year 2005.Having acceded to four of the five UN outer space treaties, the Government of theRepublic of Korea is aware of the growing need to enact domestic implementing legislation. Tothis end, we find it timely to hold this Workshop to share experience and benefit from theexpertise of other nations.Ladies and Gentlemen,To conclude, I would like to reaffirm my government's full commitment to the collectiveefforts of the international community to achieve a sound and just legal regime on outer spacethat benefits all humankind.Thank you.I wish all of you an enjoyable stay in Daejeon.