Russia-North Korea: Unpacking Their Strategic Partnership in Space

Abstract

Since 2022, the relationship between Russia and North Korea has undergone a strategic shift unprecedented since the Cold War’s end. Their growing, systemic partnership now includes scientific and technical cooperation in the space sector. For North Korea, Russian support to advance its space program in key areas (rocket engines, satellites) could propel the country into the ranks of established spacefaring nations. Against the backdrop of global tensions fueled by the U.S.-China systemic rivalry, this development undermines Northeast Asia’s security architecture. In this context, this paper explores how far this bilateral partnership might extend into outer space, including the potential for long-term joint space missions.