Korean J Aerosp Environ Med.  2026 Mar;36(1):25-29. 10.46246/KJAsEM.250031.

Dialogue with Leading Researchers: Suggestions for the Development of Space Medicine in Korea

• Kim G
• Kim KS

• KMID: 2579413
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.46246/KJAsEM.250031

Abstract

In the Fall Conference of the Korean Microgravity Society, the panel talk of space medicine was held on November 5th, 2025. Six medical experts participated, and they discussed the achievements and strategies of domestic research in space medicine, space technology development, space medicine governance, and the role of government and research institutions. The discussion reviewed the current status of infrastructure development for space medicine research across various fields and examined the subsequent research activities; based on these insights, it delineated a strategic direction for establishing a national space medicine framework. Furthermore, the discussion highlighted the complexities and critical nature of establishing governance through cross-border institutional collaborations. This underscored the imperative for a unified, inter-ministerial governance framework to effectively facilitate international cooperation. Specifically, the proposal identified several critical tasks: developing independent research and development (R&D) frameworks for space medicine-related ministries, eliminating research redundancies, and securing a legal foundation for management systems to adapt to the volatile research landscape. The discussion concluded that laying these foundational pillars is a prerequisite for a ‘K-Space Medicine’ system, emphasizing the vital role of cross-disciplinary synergy, national governance, and technologies that bridge clinical and extraterrestrial environments.

Keyword

Panel discussion; Space medicine; Space environment; Research colla boration; Governance