■ (Overview) On January 14, 2023, the United States and Japan signed a basic agreement on matters necessary for space cooperation for peaceful purposes (in particular, space exploration) to strengthen the institutional basis for US-Japan cooperation.

● The US-Japan Basic Agreement is not much different from the Space Basic Agreement that the US has concluded with other countries, but it is an extension of the security alliance to timely check China's space activities.

● The strengthening of the space alliance with the United States was expressed internally and externally by holding the ‘conclusion of a basic agreement’ in January 2023, ‘Visit to Japan by the Director and Vice Administrator of NASA’ in February, and the ‘US-Japan Comprehensive Space Dialogue’ in March.

■ (Main contents) 21 articles mainly focus on institutional improvement for efficient cooperation in the Artemis Plan

● (Artemis) Strengthen security cooperation in the space sector by specifying exemption from tariffs and fees and mutual waiver of liability for damages for lunar landing rovers, etc., which are necessary for full-scale lunar exploration cooperation, and mutually guaranteeing jurisdiction over space objects and crew members.

● (Space Debris) Practice space sustainability by applying orbital debris reduction guidelines to joint missions between the two countries, such as space exploration.

● (Human Heritage) Establishment of safe zones to protect points of the moon with historical or scientific value

■ (Three Significances of the Basic Agreement)

● First, the US confirmed Japan's clear support for the astronomical cost of the Artemis plan and secured an edge in the US-China competition.

● Second, the US and Japan lead the issue of “Space Sustainability” by securing a competitive edge in the development of space debris removal technology, which is the core of the LEO economy.

● Third, the United States and Japan strengthen solidarity in the military use of space for “peaceful purposes”.

■ (Implication) It is evaluated that the US and Japan have solidified their will to rebuild their 

geopolitical leadership and the goal of leading space exploration.

● First, it is necessary to set the location of Korea in the Artemis Plan.

● Second, it is necessary to introduce policy measures for public-private cooperation such as participation of universities and private companies in exploration plans.

● Third, it is necessary to express a clear position on multilateral solidarity for “peaceful use of space”.