The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Korea has announced a funding opportunity aimed at advancing U.S. space leadership and expanding international cooperation in space activities. The initiative, titled "Promoting U.S. Space Leadership and International Cooperation," is set to provide up to $100,000 through the FY25 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds.
According to the announcement, the program seeks to strengthen understanding of U.S. national space policies while encouraging greater use of American space capabilities by Korean stakeholders. It will bring together approximately 30 Korean experts from sectors such as law, engineering, academia, government, business, and media with 3-4 American participants for joint tabletop exercises.
These sessions are designed to analyze potential future challenges in the space sector and develop recommendations that would help shape future U.S. and Republic of Korea (ROK) policies related to space activities. The exercises will be held off-the-record to promote candid dialogue among participants; however, there will be an open session at the end where results and key findings will be shared with the public and media.
Eligible participants include think-tank researchers, professors specializing in political science or foreign policy, scientists and engineers, legal professionals including lawmakers or their assistants, policymakers such as government officials or advisors, businesspeople, and journalists.
"The U.S. seeks to advance its space leadership and expand international cooperation on mutually beneficial space activities," states the executive summary provided by organizers. "The U.S. Space Leadership and International Cooperation program aims to strengthen the understanding of, and support for, U.S. national space policies and programs, while promoting Korean use of U.S. space capabilities, systems, and services."
The application deadline for interested parties is Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (GMT+9). Details about program objectives can be found in Section C: Program Description of the full PDF Notice of Funding Opportunity document.
Questions regarding this funding opportunity can be directed via email to SeoulPDGrants@state.gov.