KASA, South Korea’s new space agency, unveils ambitious plans for space exploration and international cooperation

South Korea recently established the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), the space agency created to become the “control tower” of national space activities. Announced on May 27, KASA announced its ambitious plans during the 45th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), which took place a few days ago.

“This year marks a significant milestone in the history of Korea’s space development with the establishment of KASA” said Youngbin Yoon, administrator of KASA, during the opening ceremony of the conference.

“There have been space activities at other research centers and universities in the country for decades, but there was no single agency responsible for civil space activities. In response to public opinion and recognizing the need for a dedicated government agency, the Korea Aerospace Administration, KASA, was officially established,” Yoon continued.

The agency, it said, “serves as a control tower for national space affairs and international cooperation,” aiming to create an aerospace economy in South Korea.

KASA aims to create a robust aerospace economy in South Korea by focusing on space transportation, satellites, exploration and aviation. Among its long-term goals is to send a robotic lander on the moon by 2032 and another on Mars by 2045.

John Lee, deputy administrator of KASA with thirty years of experience at NASA, emphasized that these ambitious projects will be supported by increased funding. Currently, South Korea’s space investment is around one trillion won ($720 million), but plans suggest a 50% increase by 2027.

There are four key areas that KASA will focus on:

Space Transportation: development of the Nuri rocket (KSLV) and investing in reusable launch vehicle technology.

Satellites: develop ultra-high-resolution imaging satellites and invest in optical communications and regional navigation systems.

Space Exploration: planning lunar and Martian missions and launching a spacecraft to observe the Sun from the Earth-Sun L4 Lagrange point.

International cooperation: KASA will be responsible for South Korea’s space policy, overseeing commercial space activities and promoting international cooperation.

credits_KASA