Korea AeroSpace Administration

- Cheollian-1 Mission Concludes and Disposal Proposal Approved at the 2nd Cheollian Operations Committee Meeting- Scheduled for Safe Disposal in Compliance with International Standards for Space Debris ReductionThe Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin announced on December 9 that it held the 2nd Cheollian Satellite Operations Committee meeting and deliberated and approved the disposal proposal for Cheollian-1 COMS*, Koreas first geostationary multi-purpose satellite. With the successful completion of its mission, Cheollian-1 will officially enter its disposal phase starting from April next year, following the conclusion of its 7th mission extension.* COMS ; Communication, Ocean, and Meteorological Satellite< Cheollian Satellite Operations Committee >- Basis : Articles 4 and 5 of the Cheollian Satellite Joint Operations Regulation- Purpose : Efficient operation and joint utilization of Cheollian Satellite- Composition : The committee is composed of 11 members: Chair KASA, 4 government members Ministry of Science and ICT MSIT, Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment MCEE, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries MOF, Korea Meteorological Administration KMA, and 6 private sector members. The committee has met twice so far Feb 2025, Dec 2025.Launched in June 2010 and developed and operated by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute KARI, Cheollian-1 successfully carried out its mission for approximately 16 years, far exceeding its original design lifespan of 7 years. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Koreas space development history. During its operation, Cheollian-1 performed a variety of complex tasks, including experimental communications relay and weather and ocean observations.In particular, by providing the first-ever broadband communication and satellite broadcasting trial services using a geostationary satellite in Korea, Cheollian-1 laid the foundation for the development and commercialization of domestic satellite communication technology. The communication mission, currently being carried out by Cheollian-1, will be continued by Cheollian-3, which is under development and will provide public communication services. Additionally, the satellite significantly improved the ability to predict disaster-related weather phenomena such as typhoons and heavy rainfall, and was utilized in monitoring ocean environmental changes, including sea water variation, red tide, and marine pollution. This has greatly contributed to the improvement of public safety and quality of life. Currently, the weather and ocean-related missions are being successfully continued by Cheollian 2A weather and 2B ocean, providing even more advanced services.Meanwhile, the disposal of Cheollian-1 will be carried out in accordance with the "Recommendations for the Development and Operation of Spacecraft for Space Debris Mitigation," which follows international norms for ensuring the long-term sustainability of space activities. KASA and KARI announced that Cheollian-1 will maneuver outside the geostationary orbit protected zone* around July 2026, marking the final end of its operation. They stated that every effort will be made to ensure its safe disposal.*Geostationary Orbit Protected Zone: A region 200 km from an altitude of 35,786 km above the Earths surface.KASA Administrator Yoon Youngbin evaluated Cheollian-1 as a satellite that laid the foundation for Koreas independence in space technology and the utilization of satellite information, stating, "Not only has it successfully completed its mission, but the responsible decision to dispose of the satellite will also serve as an opportunity to demonstrate to both domestic and international communities our active participation in protecting the space environment and contributing to the global efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of space activities."

- A New Milestone: KASAReaches 1 Trillion KRW in Budget- Focusing on the Implementation of the New GovernmentsNational Policy Task, Pioneering K-Space with Our Own TechnologyThe Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin announced that its 2026 budget has been finalized at 1.1201 trillion KRW*, following approval by the National Assembly on December 2nd. This marks an increase of 155.2 billlion KRW 16.1% compared to the 2025 budget of 964.9 billion KRW.*1.1201 trillion KRW is approximately 800 million USD, as of December 2025.The 2026 budget reflects a strategic increase in investments aimed at systematically implementing the new governments national policy task in the aerospace sector, Pioneering K-Space with Our Own Technology. As a result, KASA has officially entered the 1 trillion KRW budget era for the first time.KASA will allocate its 2026 budget to six key areas as follows:266.2 billion KRW for enhancing space transportation capabilities and acquiring new technologies, ② 236.2 billion KRW for innovations in satellite-based communication, navigation, and observation, ③ 96.8 billion KRW for generating future space exploration, ④ 51.1 billion KRW for securing future aviation technologies and supply chain stability, ⑤ 173.8 billion KRW for fostering a private-sector-led industrial ecosystem, ⑥ 255.9 billion KRW for nurturing aerospace talent and advancing practical diplomacy in the space sector.During the National Assembly review, an additional 2 billion KRW was allocated for the Korean Launch Vehicle Advancement Project, which reflects the 2026 preliminary preparation budget necessary for the Nuris 7th launch in 2028. Additionally, as part of efforts to expand human resources in the space sector, the budget for Expanding Aerospace Culture initiative, which supports university and graduate students in developing and launching CubeSats, was increased by 950 million KRW.Administrator Yoon Youngbin of KASA stated, "Following the success of the 4th Nuri launch, we have significantly expanded the budget for new technology development and support for startups and growth in the space sector in 2026, allowing the private sector to become the main driver of space development." He also added, "We will strengthen investments to secure game-changing technologies, such as reusable launch vehicles, by leveraging private sector innovation, and foster the space and aerospace industry as a key national sector."

- Six CubeSats, including KARIs Deep Space Exploration Satellite, chosen for the missionThe Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute KARI, President Lee Sangchul announced on December 3rd that they have selected a total of six payload satellites for the Koreas homegrown launch vehicle, Nuri, for its 6th launch. The selection process involved an open call held from September 22 to October 24, inviting submissions from industries, universities, research institutions, and government agencies. The satellites were chosen based on expert evaluations.The selected payload satellites for this mission include one 3U*, four 6U, and one 27U CubeSats, which will be launched aboard the Nuri Rockets 6th launch scheduled for 2027. These satellites will undertake various missions.* The unit "U" refers to the standard size specification of CubeSats, where 1U represents a cube with dimensions of 10cm x 10cm x 10cm. For example, a satellite with dimensions of 10cm width, 10cm height, and 30cm depth is referred to as a 3U CubeSat.One of the 3U CubeSats selected is "SuncheonSat-1" from Suncheon City. This satellite will be used to capture images of the Suncheon Bay National Garden and wetland areas and analyze ecological changes, and verify the performance of space components used by local businesses in Suncheon.The selected missions include K-STAR from the National Security Technology Research Institute NSRI, which focuses on testing and verifying national cybersecurity technologies to address space cyber threats; KAFASAT-2 from the Republic of Korea Air Force Academy, aimed at advancing ultra-small satellite design and development technologies for cadet education and training; GAIMSat-1 from Gwangju Metropolitan City, designed to secure AI onboard data processing technology and verify autonomous flight algorithms; and KMU ET-02 from Kookmin University, which focuses on early disaster detection through nationwide forest species, vegetation, and moisture analysis, while also fostering talent in space and AI.The mission also includes the Deep Space Exploration Demonstration Satellite from KARI, designed to perform trajectory research for future deep space exploration. The mission will use low-thrust propulsion to modify its orbit from low Earth orbit LEO to geosynchronous orbit GSO and will capture images of the Moon and asteroid Apophis.* Geosynchronous Orbit GSO has a 24-hour orbital period and an altitude of approximately 36,000 km.The 6th Nuri launch will carry a total of 13 satellites into space, including 5 micro-satellite constellations NEONSAT 7-11 as the main payloads, along with 6 CubeSats selected through this call for proposals. Additionally, E3T-3 Electrical, Electronic and Electromechanical Tester, a satellite for verifying domestic components and parts, currently being developed by KARI, and ADRSat Active Debris Removal Satellite, an active control satellite developed by KAISTs Satellite Research Center as part of the Space Object Active Control Technology Development Project, will also be onboard.Director General Park Jaesung of the Space Transportation Directorate at KASA stated, "The satellites chosen through this call for proposals were prioritized based on their public benefit. These satellites are expected to make a significant contribution to public welfare, including disaster monitoring, environmental surveillance, land management, and human resource development." He also added, "KASA will work closely with the selected organizations to ensure the satellites are fully prepared and all necessary measures are taken.

-The Global New Space Forum will be held from December 4-5 to Support the Global Market Expansion of Korean Space CompaniesThe Korea Aerospace Administration KASA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs MOFA will co-host the Global New Space Forum in Seoul and Daejeon from December 4 to 5, bringing together space-related agencies from countries involved in space development, as well as Korean space companies. New Space refers to the approach where private companies, rather than the governments, take the lead space development efforts.This event aims to create opportunities for Korean space companies to expand into global market and collaborate with international space agencies. Approximately 40 Korean companies will participate, alongside representatives from 16 countries* across the Middle East, Latin America, Central Asia, Europe, and Oceania, and the United States.*16 Countries : The U.S, Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain, Algeria, Brazil, Argentina, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Lithuania, Denmark, Luxembourg, the EU, Finland, New Zealand, and Japan.On the first day, December 4, Maged Ismail, CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency EgSA, will deliver a keynote speech on the "Arab-African Space Cooperation Strategy". The forum will explore global collaboration opportunities in various space industry sectors, including global visions and strategies for space cooperation, space transportation, satellite ecosystems, space services, and space exploration. One-on-one meetings between Korean companies and international agencies will also be arranged.On the second day, December 5, foreign space agencies will visit the Satellite Integration and Test Center at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute KARI and the Space Weather Research Center at the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute KASI, both located in Daejeon, to experience Koreas space capabilities firsthand.Han Minyoung, Director General for the Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Scientific Affairs Bureau at MOFA, stated, "In the space industry, foreign government contracts are typically large in scale, which makes it challenging for Korean startups to directly engage with foreign government agencies and obtain essential information." She added, "MOFA aims to provide tangible support to help our companies expand into the global space market."Lee Jaehyung, Director General at the Planning and Coordination Department at KASA, explained, "This forum will be a significant step in fostering a private sector-led space industry ecosystem that KASA envisions." He added, "We are committed to actively supporting networking and collaboration to help promising domestic companies showcase their exceptional technologies on the global stage and turn those innovations into meaningful business outcomes."Meanwhile, KASA and MOFA also organized private-sector delegations of Korean space companies in April and July this year, visiting the United States and three Southeast Asian countries to provide networking opportunities between foreign agencies and Korean companies.

Initial Operations Underway, Satellite Status Confirmed as NominalThe Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute KARI, President Lee Sangchul announced that Arirang 7 Korean Multi-Purpose Practical Satellite 7, KOMPSAT-7, was successfully launched from the French Guiana Space Center at approximately 2:21 a.m. KST on December 2 2:21 p.m. local time, December 1. Following the launch, the satellite successfully established its first communication with the KARIs Ground Station in Daejeon, South Korea at around 1:40 p.m.About 44 minutes after liftoff, Arirang 7 successfully separated from the VEGA-C rocket.At approximately 3:30 a.m. KST, the satellite established its first communication with the Troll ground station in Antarctica and deployed its solar panels for power generation.KARI continued communication with the Svalbard Satellite Station in the far north, following its communication with the Troll Satellite Station at the southernmost point of the Earth, while closely monitoring the satellites status. In particular, when the deployment of the X-band antenna, a key piece of equipment for transmitting image data, was successfully completed, a cheer of relief erupted among the on-site researchers who had been anxiously watching overnight.After over 10 communications with international ground stations, Arirang 7 successfully established communication with the KARIs Ground Station in Daejeon at around 1:40 p.m. This confirmed that both the satellite and its payload were in good condition, marking the successful completion of all key procedures from launch to domestic communication.Through the initial communication checks, it was confirmed that the satellites functions, including the Control Moment Gyro*, are operating nominally.*The Control Moment Gyro CMG is applied to the satellite for the first time in Korea, ensuring high-mobility performance.Arirang 7 will conduct orbital testing and initial operations to check the satellites initial activation and payload integration. Starting in the first half of 2026, it plans to provide full-scale ultra-high-resolution 0.3m-class ground observation imagery.The successful launch of Arirang 7 demonstrates that Korea has independently developed 0.3m-class ultra-precision technology, which is possessed by only about five countries worldwide.KASA Administrator Yoon stated, "Arirang 7, now in orbit, has flawlessly completed all initial operational procedures, including the deployment of solar panels and antennas," and added, "Through more proactive space development, we will expand high-quality satellite information services that can provide tangible benefits to the lives of our citizens."