KASA Hosts KASA R&D Strategy Briefing
– Presenting Strategic Roadmaps and Key Achievements in Space Transportation, Satellites, and Space Science & Exploration
– Outlining the Vision and Direction for National Aerospace R&D Projects
The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin) held the “KASA R&D Strategy Briefing” on Thursday, June 12, at the Conference Hall of the Startup Campus in Pangyo Techno Valley, Seongnam City.
The event was attended by over 150 participants, including officials from KASA, key research institutions, and representatives from industry, academia, and research organizations in the aerospace sector. It served as an opportunity to share the R&D strategies and execution roadmaps that will lead the future of Korea’s aerospace industry, present major achievements and results from preliminary research, and discuss future directions.
During the briefing, three divisions under KASA’s Mission Directorates―Space Transportation, Satellite, and Space Science & Exploration―presented their respective strategic roadmaps. These roadmaps are a follow-up to the “Korea’s Strategy for Space Transportation, Satellites, and Space Science & Exploration” approved at the 3rd National Space Committee meeting in February, and aim to specify core mission xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-objectives in each area and enhance policy execution.
KASA plans to focus strategic investment on key “flagship projects,” including: reusable launch vehicles and orbital transfer vehicles in Space Transportation Directorate; ultra-high-resolution satellites, very low Earth orbit (VLEO) satellites , and a multi-layered orbital navigation system in Satellites Directorate; the L4 Solar Observatory and lunar lander in Space Science & Exploration Directorate.
Additionally, projects such as continued Nuri rocket launches, establishing a foundation for crewed space missions, developing communications satellites, geostationary Earth observation, and a low-Earth orbit space factory project will pursue feasible missions to address societal issues and secure capabilities to lead the future space economy.
During the briefing, KASA also unveiled key achievements by the Mission Directorates in the year since its establishment, including the Decadal Survey, the Korean System Engineering Handbook (KASA Handbook), and the KASA Procedural Requirements (KASA-PR).
The Decadal Survey is a process in which domestic experts independently establish a 10-year development strategy for the field of space science and exploration. The strategy is reviewed every five years to align with technological changes and will actively inform future policy-making. The Decadal Survey was first implemented in astronomy, and a preliminary report was released through the Korean Astronomical Society on June 2, and the final report is scheduled for publication in the second half of this year.
The KASA Handbook is a manual designed for both new companies with limited experience in satellite development and existing companies, providing immediately applicable guidance for satellite projects. It includes reference guidelines and examples in an appendix to assist companies in the field.
KASA-PR (KASA Procedural Requirements) is a xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-document.that establishes standardized processes for R&D projects under the Mission Directorates and outlines a systematic and continuous management framework for implementation and improvement. During the briefing, KASA presented proposals on procedural requirements necessary for planning and executing its R&D projects, which will be finalized after incorporating feedback from industry, academia, and research communities.
The event also featured presentations of preliminary research results by research institutions, offering direction for future aerospace R&D projects.
In his opening remarks, John Lee, Vice Administrator of the Mission Directorates at KASA, stated, “Securing independent technology and transitioning to a private-sector-led structure are essential for Korea to become one of the world’s top five aerospace powers. We will provide roadmaps to expand private participation and establish a robust R&D system.” He added, “The journey to space cannot be completed by the government alone; it requires the collective wisdom and cooperation of industry, academia, and research organizations.”