Korea plans to create a low-Earth orbit satellite communication network made up of hundreds of satellites by 2035 and expedite its first lunar landing by 2030, the state-run space agency announced.
The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) presented the initiative at a public briefing on advanced industrial growth conducted in the southeastern city of Jinju.
The National Space Council, led by President Lee Jae Myung, approved the strategy earlier today.
KASA stated that creating the network will enhance South Korea’s local satellite and launch vehicle development and manufacturing ecosystem as the nation aims to establish its own version of SpaceX's Starlink network.
Also Read: Ho Chi Minh City Targets Digital Transformation for SMEs by 2030
"Leading space nations are making all-out efforts to build low-Earth orbit satellite communications networks, which are critical infrastructure for safeguarding national security and communications sovereignty, as well as a strategic foundation for the 6G era," KASA Administrator Oh Tae-seok says.
KASA also plans to advance Korea's inaugural lunar landing to 2030, two years earlier than originally planned.
Rather than awaiting the next-generation launch vehicle set to launch in 2032, the government intends to send a privately developed small lunar lander using the three-stage Nuri rocket in 2030.
Oh also mentioned that Korea intends to send a lunar communications orbiter in 2029 and an Earth-moon scientific exploration probe in 2031 to prepare for a broader lunar exploration initiative.
Previously, Oh Tae-seog, head of the Korea AeroSpace Administration, committed to government backing in fostering an industrial ecosystem suited for the new space age and ensuring Korea remains competitive in the escalating global space competition.
Also Read: New PM Vows to Fast-Track Korea's AI Push on First Day in office
At a press conference in Seoul, Oh, who assumed the role of KASA's second administrator on Feb. 3, stated that the new era of space is spearheaded by the private sector and fueled by commercial potential, highlighting the importance for Korea to act swiftly to establish a presence in the market.
Oh stated that KASA will create a plan to enhance the Naro Space Center located in South Jeolla Province. Following the selection of the upgrade project for the government's preliminary feasibility study in March, the initiative is anticipated to come to fruition soon, with Oh indicating that KASA intends to implement measures to facilitate the prompt production of next-gen launch vehicles and a lunar lander.
KASA aims to assist private firms in creating small launch vehicles by establishing a specific commercial launch pad at the Naro Space Center beginning in 2027. He mentioned that the agency will devise a strategy by November this year to create a second space center, in anticipation of the extensive use of reusable launch vehicles post-2035.
Also Read: Indonesia Sees Russia Partnership Key to Economic Transformation
To enhance space cooperation with the US, Oh will be present at the 41st Annual Space Symposium, which is set to take place from Saturday to Monday (local time) in Colorado. There, he will confer with representatives from the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to assess and progress different collaboration projects that have been addressed at the working level between the two nations.
The Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute drove the development process of the K-RadCube, whereas Nara Space Technology was responsible for developing the satellite system.