Korea AeroSpace Administration

KASA hosts the 19th ICG Annual MeetingThe Korea Aerospace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin is hosting the 19th Annual Meeting of International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems ICG from October 19 to October 24, 2025 in Busan. Over 200 global experts in Global Navigation Satellite System GNSS and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing PNT technologies are attendending the event.The ICG, established under the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs UNOOSA, is an intergovernmental committee dedicated to enhancing satellite navigation systems and promoting sustainable development. Since 2005, the ICG has held annual meetings in the second half of the year, bringing together satellite navigation experts from various countries. As a nation developing the regional satellite navigation system, the Korean Positioning System KPS, Korea has actively pursued membership in the committee and the hosting of the annual meeting, and officially joined ICG in 2021 and successfully secured the host the 19th ICG Annual Meeting in 2022.The ICG Annual Meeting will be attended by 15 members* that either possess or are developing satellite navigation systems or satellite based augmentation system, along with 21 associate members and observing organizations. The meeting will focus on discussions regarding the utilization and enhancement of satellite navigation systems, as well as coordination and agreements between member countries on signals and services. This years meeting will also include sharing research and development trends in satellite navigation systems from various countries, and discussions on future satellite navigation technologies, including low Earth orbit LEO and lunar navigation.* ICG Members 15 : South Korea, the United States, Russia, China, the EU, India, Japan, Italy, Australia, Malaysia, the UAE, Nigeria, New Zealand, Algeria, and Turkey.John Lee, Vice Administrator of the Mission Directorates at KASA, stated, "Since 2022, Korea has been actively pursuing the development of its own satellite navigation system, KPS." He added, "As a responsible member of the international community, KASA will actively contribute to the development of the satellite navigation ecosystem by ensuring compatibility and interoperability. This meeting will be a key opportunity to strengthen international cooperation in satellite navigation and to work closely with ICG member countries."

KASA, KARI, and KASI Co-host the Aerospace Pavilion, Featuring Achievements in Nuri, Lunar exploration and moreThe Korea Aerospace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin announced its participation in the Seoul International Aerospace Seoul ADEX 2025, which will be held from October 20 to October 24 at KINTEX in Goyang. KASA, along with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute KARI and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute KASI, will co-host the Aerospace Pavilion.* Seoul ADEX Seoul International Aerospace : The largest aerospace and defense industry exhibition in Korea, held every two years. It is a comprehensive international exhibition where major aerospace and defense companies and organizations from around the world participate.This exhibition marks KASAs first participation in ADEX since its establishment. It has been organized to present the achievements and future vision of Koreas aerospace sector to the public, with collaboration between the government and research institutions.The Aerospace Pavilion will feature representative technologies and policy visions in the fields of launch vehicles, exploration, satellites, and astronomy, providing an overview of Koreas aerospace development direction and capabilities. This will serve as a symbolic platform for showcasing Koreas strength and future ambitions in aerospace.Additionally, at the KASA booth within the Aerospace Pavilion, there will be displays for public aerospace technologies and a seminar for companies participating in the SBIR program*. These efforts aim to foster a private-sector-centered industrial ecosystem and explore new avenues for technology dissemination.* SBIR Small Business Innovation Research: A government program that supports the development of innovative technologies by small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs.During the event, KASA will host a range of programs, including international conferences, policy seminars, and advisory meetings, with participation from domestic and international industry, academia, research institutions, and government officials.On October 20, KASA will hold bilateral meetings with the UK delegation comprising representatives from the Ministry of Industry, the UK Space Agency to explore ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the space industry. Following this, KASA will meet with the Brazilian state-owned company ALADA to discuss support for INNOSPACE, a Korean space company preparing for its first commercial launch in November.Additionally, on October 22 and 23, KASA will hold bilateral meetings with the German Aerospace Center DLR and Netherlands Aerospace Centre NLR to expand joint research and technological cooperation. The meetings will be followed by a seminar to establish a space technology roadmap and an advisory meeting to prepare a "Aerospasce Testing and Evaluation Directory Book," aimed at strengthening policy expertise and industry connections.KASA Administrator Yoon Youngbin remarked, "The participation in Seoul ADEX 2025, our first since the establishment of KASA, is a meaningful opportunity to showcase Koreas space capabilities to the public. Through this event, we aim to establish a solid foundation for the growth of Koreas aerospace industry, with government, research institutions, and industry working together to build a sustainable, space-driven future that future generations can truly feel."

KASA Supports Korea-Thailand Space Industry Cooperation by Hosting Korea Pavilion at Thailand Space ExpoThe Korea Aerospace Administration KASA announced its participation in the Thailand Space eXpo 2025 TSX 2025 in Bangkok from October 16 to October 18, where it will host the Korea Pavilion and support the expansion of domestic space companies into the ASEAN market, as well as the broadening of global cooperation.TSX 2025 is organized by Thailands Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation MHESI and the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency GISTDA, is a leading space industry exhibition in Southeast Asia. It brings together government agencies, research institutions, academia, and industry representatives from the region to share the latest technologies and industry trends, and to discuss potential areas for collaboration.Through this participation, KASA aims to expand international cooperation in space with key ASEAN countries, support the overseas expansion of domestic companies, and extend economic diplomacy into scientific and technological exchanges.Korea Pavilion features six Korean space companies, including LeO SPACE, Space SSA*, and satellite propulsion systems.* Space Situational Awareness SSA: A system that tracks and analyzes various space xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-objects, including artificial satellites and space debris, in Earths orbit, to predict and respond to collision risks.Lee Jae-hyung, Director General of Planning and Coordination Department at KASA, stated, "The Thailand Space Expo will be a significant starting point for Korean space companies full entry into the ASEAN market. KASA will continue to support companies international expansion through enhanced public-private cooperation and expand strategic alliances with ASEAN countries."

SOI Signed between Korea and Australia at IAC 2025, with Discussions on Cooperation with Key Australian UniversitiesThe Korea Aerospace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin announced that, during the International Astronautical Congress IAC 2025 held in Sydney, Australia, on September 30, it signed a Statement of Intent SOI with the Australian Space Agency ASA to collaborate on the establishment of a mid- to high-orbit optical surveillance system BRAHE Project*.*The BRAHE Project, led by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute KASI, involves the installation of two 80cm optical telescopes at suitable observation sites in Australia. The system aims to detect potential risks such as satellite collisions and space debris, ensuring the safety of the public and protection of key national space assets. The project is scheduled to run from 2024 to 2027 with a budget of 14 billion KRW.The signing of this SOI aims to enhance satellite and space debris monitoring capabilities in the mid- and high-orbit regions over the Korean Peninsula and contribute to international Space Situational Awareness SSA cooperation. It also formalizes the collaboration regarding the installation and operation of Koreas 80cm optical telescopes in Australia under the BRAHE project. The signing ceremony was attended by the heads of both space agencies, further solidifying the strategic partnership between Korea and Australia in space risk response.Additionally, on September 29 and October 1, KASA held collaboration meetings related to the BRAHE Project with the Australian National University ANU, which manages the Siding Spring Observatory* and the University of Western Australia UWA, which manages the Zadko Observatory**. The meetings were attended by Kwon Hyunjoon, Director General of KASAs Aerospace Policy Division, Park Janghyun, President of KASI, Anna Marie Moore, Director of the ANU Institute for Space, Eduardo Trifoni, Director of ANUs Space Test Program, Danail Obreschkow, Director at UWA, and John Moore, Operations Manager at UWA. During the meetings, discussions focused on local installation and operational support, as well as expanding joint research efforts.* Siding Spring Observatory: Located in New South Wales, Australia, Siding Spring is one of the largest and oldest optical observatories in the Southern Hemisphere. It has a rich infrastructure for telescopes, enabling active international research collaboration.** Zadko Observatory: Located near Perth in Western Australia, Zadko is a research and educational observatory equipped with optical instruments, including a 1-meter telescope. It is used for research on solar system small bodies such as asteroids and comets, as well as for tracking space debris.The optical surveillance system set to be installed in Australia will be integrated with the Optical Wide-field Patrol Network OWL-Net*, located in the Northern Hemisphere. This integration will enable simultaneous observations from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The system will allow for the expansion of the observation angle, improved orbit determination accuracy, and the establishment of independent monitoring capabilities for mid- and high-orbit regions. This marks a key milestone in extending the surveillance network, which was primarily focused on low Earth orbit, to also cover mid- and high-orbit areas.* OWL-Net Optical Wide-field Patrol Network: Koreas first dedicated space surveillance optical telescope system, designed for low Earth orbit satellite monitoring. It is operated at five observatories worldwide Mongolia, Morocco, Israel, the United States, and Korea.Kwon Hyunjoon, Director General of the Aerospace Policy Department at KASA , stated, "With the signing of the SOI and the collaboration meetings, the installation and operational preparations for the surveillance telescope in Australia have officially begun, and we have established a solid foundation to complete the project by 2027 without any delays." He added, "We will continue to work closely with Australia to address space risks, protect the space assets of both countries, and contribute to international SSA cooperation through joint research and personnel exchanges."

KASA Hosts the Korea Pavilion to Enhance K-Spaces Status and Secure Domestic Companies Access to Global MarketsThe Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, led by Administrator Yoon Youngbin, showcased its active efforts to implement national government initiatives in the space sector during the 76th International Astronautical Congress IAC in Sydney, held from September 29 to October 3. These initiatives aimed at diversifying space diplomacy through bilateral and multilateral cooperation, while also supporting the global expansion of space companies.The IAC, the worlds foremost international event, brings together government agencies, research institutions, academia, and industry professionals from around the globe to share the latest technologies and research achievements, and discuss the future of space exploration.During the Artemis Accords Signatories Meeting, Administrator Yoon presented Koreas experience with the Lunar Orbiter Danuri KPLO and stated, "We will contribute as a responsible space partner by fulfilling our responsibilities through the missions completion and disposal process, sharing successful approaches with the international community."At the Global Space Leaders Summit, Administrator Yoon outlined Koreas long-term exploration roadmap, with ambitious goals, including a lunar landing by 2032 and a Mars landing by 2045. "Korea will contribute as a reliable global partner in deep space exploration." He emphasized, underlining the nations growing ambitions in the space sector.Throughout the IAC, KASA signed Memoranda of Understanding MoUs with the Spanish Space Agency AEE, the Luxembourg Space Agency LSA, and the Australian Space Agency ASA. These agreements further strengthened KASAs strategic partnerships with emerging space agencies. The collaboration is expected to diversify space diplomacy, expand Korean space companies participation in global supply chains, foster advanced technology cooperation, and reinforce economic security.In addition, KASA held meetings with the French National Centre for Space Studies CNES and the Canadian Space Agency CSA. With CNES, KASA agreed to expand government-to-government collaboration into the private sector through the 5th Korea-France Space Forum, set to take place in Seoul at the end of October. Additionally, the first official meeting with CSA marked the beginning of ongoing discussions on future cooperation in areas such as Earth observation and space exploration.KASA continued its bilateral meetings with both NASA and JAXA, with a focus on enhancing trilateral cooperation between Korea, the United States, and Japan. These discussions targeted space science and human exploration, including the Artemis program. At the same time, KASA signed an agreement with the European Space Agency ESA on deep space exploration and next-generation communication technologies. An MoU with the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO was also set to be signed to jointly pursue space projects, utilize science and technology infrastructure, and operate ground stations. This agreement is expected to further strengthen strategic partnerships, particularly with the Global South.Meanwhile, KASA set up the Korea Pavilion at IAC 2025, where 12 Korean startups and SMEs showcased their technologies. The pavilion promotes Korea-developed technologies, including satellite-based early warning systems, high-resolution imaging, space environment testing equipment, and exploration rovers. It also seeks partnerships in next-generation areas such as small launch vehicles, space bio and space medicine research, and advanced 3D printing. This initiative is recognized as a representative example of implementing National Task 35, "Growing through Future Technologies and Advancing Globally for SMEs."The pavilion also hosted a special event, "Korea Day," to provide a platform to highlight the achievements of domestic companies, including the development of space-grade components and the promotion of their capabilities. The event aims to secure a foothold for these companies in global markets, supporting their leadership in the evolving global supply chain and advancing technologies.Administrator Yoon stated, "Building on the success of this IAC, KASA will expand strategic partnerships with the international community, strengthen economic security through advanced technology cooperation, and foster an innovative ecosystem based on public-private collaboration, all while striving to achieve Koreas goal of becoming a G7+ diplomatic power and a future space leader."

Marking a Major Step Toward Strengthening Koreas Satellite Navigation CapabilityThe Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute KARI announced that they have signed a launch services contract with SpaceX on September 23 for the successful launch of the first satellite of the Korean Positioning System KPS, which is scheduled for September 2029.Through this agreement, KASA has taken a significant step toward securing an independent national satellite navigation capability, marking an important milestone in the construction and operation of the full KPS constellation.The first KPS satellite will be Koreas first navigation satellite, operating in an Inclined Geo-Synchronous Orbit IGSO. Beginning with this launch in September 2029, KASA plans to complete the full KPS constellation by 2035, deploying a total of eight satellites ― five in IGSO and three in Geostationary Orbit GEO.Once the entire KPS system is successfully established and begins providing navigation services across the Korean Peninsula and its surrounding regions, Korea will become the seventh nation in the world to operate an independent satellite navigation system, following the United States GPS, Russia GLONASS, Europe Galileo, China BeiDou, Japan QZSS, and India NavIC.Kim Jin-hee, Director General of the Satellite Directorate at KASA, stated, The KPS will serve as a critical infrastructure not only for improving everyday convenience but also for enhancing public safety and the competitiveness of future industries. Beginning with the first launch in 2029, KASA will work to complete the full system by 2035 and provide stable, reliable services.