Insider Brief
- South Korea has approved strategic plans to develop a reusable launch vehicle, ultra-high-resolution satellites, and a lunar lander to strengthen its space program.
- KASA aims to launch a national reusable launch vehicle capable of supporting a lunar mission by 2032 and build a privately managed geostationary satellite by 2031.
- The nation is looking to advance low Earth orbit satellite communications with 6G technology and will establish KASA’s headquarters in Sacheon by 2030 as a hub for aerospace innovation.
South Korea has set new goals for its space program, including development of a reusable launch vehicle and a lunar lander.
The 3rd National Space Council has approved policies to revise South Korea’s space program, aiming to establish the nation as a global leader in space exploration, according to the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA). The council, chaired by Vice Chair Professor Bang Hyochoong of KAIST, endorsed strategic plans for space transportation, satellite development, and space science exploration this week.
“In the New Space era, both internationally and domestically, the space sector is changing rapidly,” KASA Administrator Yoon Youngbin said in a statement. “KASA will listen closely to the opinions of experts and relevant ministries during the National Space Council, and based on this, we will develop policies that can respond to global trends.”
KASA initiatives include the development of reusable launch vehicles, ultra-high-resolution satellites, and lunar landers. The approval of these “flagship projects” aligns with South Korea’s long-term vision of becoming one of the world’s top five space powers, as outlined in its 4th Master Plan for Promotion of Space Development (2023-2027), according to KASA .
Among the major initiatives is the next-generation launch vehicle project, which aims to create an economically viable national launch vehicle capable of supporting a lunar lander mission by 2032. The government will assess necessary modifications to ensure the project remains aligned with technological advancements and international trends.
The council also approved plans for the Cheollian 5 geostationary satellite, a joint effort between the Korea Meteorological Administration and KASA. This will be the first geostationary satellite project managed by a private enterprise in South Korea, targeting a launch by 2031 to enhance extreme weather monitoring and space weather observation.
A major development in low Earth orbit satellite communications was also greenlit. KASA aims to launch two low Earth orbit communication satellites by 2030, using 6G technology to strengthen South Korea’s presence in global satellite communications. The plan includes the development of ground and terminal stations, with a focus on achieving technological self-reliance and supporting domestic companies in the global market.
Additionally, KASA finalized plans to establish its headquarters in the Gyeongnam National Aerospace Industrial Complex in Sacheon. The complex, set for completion by 2030, will serve as a national hub for aerospace innovation, facilitating collaboration between government agencies and private enterprises.
Vice Chair Bang Hyochoong emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in advancing the space economy.
Share this article:
