Korea AeroSpace Administration

KASA Joins Global Alliance to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe- KASA Signs MoU with the Square Kilometre Array Observatory SKAO -The Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin, announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding MoU with the Square Kilometre Array Observatory* SKAO on the 27th to participate in the Square Kilometre Array SKA project.* The SKAO, headquartered in London, is the intergovernmental organization responsible for overseeing the SKA project, including telescope construction and operations, data processing and analysis, and international cooperation.Note: Unlike optical telescopes, radio telescopes detect invisible radio waves emitted by celestial bodies. They are crucial for studying obscured regions like nebulae, unusual phenomena such as black holes, and the cores of galaxies―making them essential tools for exploring the origins and evolution of the universe.Launched in 2022, the SKA project is the largest* radio astronomy initiative in history, with observatories currently under construction in Australia and South Africa. The total investment is projected to reach approximately 3 trillion KRW around USD 2.2 billion. With superior resolution, observation speed, and sensitivity compared to conventional radio telescopes, the SKA will be capable of detecting faint radio signals from the early universe. It is expected to significantly advance our understanding of cosmic origins and the search for extraterrestrial life. Twelve countries―including the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, the Netherlands, Italy, China, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, India, Canada, and Portugal―are currently full members of SKAO.* ① Medium-frequency array: 197 telescopes across a 150 km baseline in the Karoo, South Africa② Low-frequency array: about 130,000 antennas across a 74 km baseline in the Murchison desert, AustraliaKASA stated that the signing of this MoU marks an important step toward obtaining a status equivalent to that of a SKAO member state, enabling the dispatch of Korean experts to support the construction and operation of the SKA, and laying the groundwork for domestic industry participation in procurement. KASA added that this will not only strengthen its cooperation with SKAO, but also foster technological development in the domestic space industry and create new opportunities for profit.Meanwhile, KASA is currently undergoing the necessary domestic and international procedures to obtain full membership status. Once full membership is secured, Korea will gain voting rights in SKAOs key decision-making processes.Administrator Yoon remarked, This MOU marks Koreas meaningful first step toward participating in global astronomical research. Through our involvement in the SKA project, we aim to support Korean research institutes and industries in joining the global scientific ecosystem and expanding humanitys knowledge of the universe.

Korea and EU Discuss Cooperation in Space and Astronomy- John Lee, Vice Administrator of the Mission Directorates at KASA, Invites EU Member State Embassies in Korea to Visit KARI and KASIKorea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin, invited ambassodors from EU member states to Korea on Wednesday, May 28, to visit key space institutions in Korea. During the visit, the delegation toured the Korea Aerospace Research Institute KARI, President Lee Sang-cheol, and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute KASI, President Park Jang hyun, to explore domestic space facilities and discuss potential space cooperation initiatives.The visit followed up on the EU delegations tour of the Naro Space Center in February. Representatives from EU member state embassies in Korea were invited to visit major national space facilities, including KARIs Satellite Test Center, and Satellite Operation Center and KASIs Space Weather Monitoring Lab. The tour provided an overview of Koreas capabilities in satellite development, operations, and applications, along with presentations on the core missions of each research institute.Maria Castillo Fernandez, Ambassador of the EU to the Republic of Korea, remarked, I was deeply impressed by Koreas world-class space infrastructure. I look forward to expanded cooperation between Europe and Korea across various areas, including the space industry and joint R John Lee, Vice Administrator of the Mission Directorates at KASA, stated, We aim to strengthen visible international cooperation with the EU and advance Koreas contributions to global space development.

KASA Holds the First Aerospace Day Commemorative EventThe First Aerospace Day Ceremony Held at KASA Headquarters in SacheonAerospace Week Proclaimed at the National Gwacheon Science MuseumAerospace Week to Feature 34 Programs Across 15 Cities and Provinces NationwideOn Tuesday, May 27, 2025, the Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin held the first-ever Aerospace Day ceremony at its headquarters in Sacheon, Gyeongnam, and also hosted the launch ceremony of National Aerospace Week at the Gwacheon National Science Museum in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi-do.Aerospace Day is a newly designated national commemorative day, established to mark the founding of KASA on May 27, 2024. This inaugural event was organized to: celebrate the 1st anniversary of KASAs establishment, honor outstanding contributors to Koreas aerospace development, and expand public interest and participation in the field of aerospace.< Aerospace Day >In order to realize Koreas vision of becoming one of the worlds top five space powers and to lead the era of the space economy, the government has designated May 27 as a national commemorative day designated on November 25, 2024.* Aerospace Week will be observed from Monday, May 26 to Sunday, June 1, 2025, with events taking place at major aerospace facilities across the country.< Aerospace Day Commemorative Ceremony >Held at 10 a.m. in Sacheon, the commemorative ceremony was attended by more than 150 key figures from the government, National Assembly, industry, academia, research institutes, and related organizations.Government awards were presented to individuals who made outstanding contributions to aerospace development in Korea. A total of six individuals received state honors, including: 1 Order of Science and Technology Merit, 1 Science and Technology Medal, 2 Presidential Citations, and 2 Prime Ministers Citations.The Order of Science and Technology Merit Innovation Medal was awarded to Dr. Park Young-Deuk, former President of the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, for developing a high-resolution spectral imaging system with domestic technology and proving the feasibility of nanosatellite formation flying―a world first.The Science and Technology Medal was awarded to Mr. Kim Ee-eul, CEO of Satrec Initiative, for developing Koreas first mass-producible microsatellite constellation NeonSat and the worlds highest-resolution commercial Earth observation satellite, greatly advancing Koreas aerospace capabilities.Presidential Citations were awarded to: Dr. Kim Se-yeon, Principal Researcher at KAIST, for developing subsystem command transmission systems between ground and satellite for multi-purpose and next-generation small satellites, and Ms. Kim Kyunghee, Head, Center for Space Component Testing at Korea Testing Laboratory, for leading the development of Koreas first satellite ground station and localizing space component test facilities.Prime Ministers Citations were awarded to: Mr. Jay Kim, CEO of Boryung Co., for enhancing Koreas space medicine competitiveness by fostering space-related startups, researchers, and hosting international space conferences, and Dr. Park Doo-jin, Principal Engineer at KARI, for developing high-speed signal transmission devices enabling synchronized high-speed photography, contributing to the successful launch of the Nuri rocket.Additionally, 20 individuals with notable contributions received the KASA Administrators Award.Later that day, at 3 p.m., the Aerospace Week Launch Ceremony was held at the Gwacheon National Science Museum, featuring: The unveiling of a life-sized model of the Nuri launch vehicle, a public aerospace talk concert, and science culture experience booths.Under the slogan Ignite the Future, Soar to Space, this week-long initiative aims to broaden public engagement with space science and culture. It includes free admission to 12 national science museums, stargazing events at 13 public observatories, and 34 major programs across 15 provinces.KASA will host Aerospace Talk Concert with experts and science communicators in Sacheon, Goheung, Daejeon, and Gwacheon, and lead a Space Camp program where 70 middle school students will tour major aerospace facilities―KASA HQ, KAI, and Naro Space Center―while completing team missions related to space exploration.Administrator Yoon remarked, This first Aerospace Day marks the beginning of a shared imagination for Koreas aerospace future. We will continue to support efforts to expand public interest and participation in aerospace, and ensure that talent in the sector is respected and nurtured.

KASA Kicks Off Preparations for Nuris Fifth LaunchReview Meeting Held to Initiate Assembly of the Nuri Flight Model-5Assembly of Flight Models 4 and 5 Set to Begin in JuneOn Monday, May 26, the Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Young-bin, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute KARI, President Lee Sang-cheol, and Hanwha Aerospace, the system integrator for the Nuri launch vehicle, held a kick-off review meeting for the stage assembly of the fifth flight model of the Nuri rocket at Hanwha Aerospaces Daejeon Rs fourth launch this November, is scheduled to complete assembly by August.Based on the outcomes of the kick-off meeting for Flight Model-5, its stage assembly is expected to begin in June. Assembly and testing will be carried out in an integrated manner to ensure the timely supply of Nuri rockets, which are scheduled for annual launches through 2027.Meanwhile, preparations are progressing smoothly for the satellites to be launched aboard the fifth Nuri flight. The primary payload, microsatellite constellation Nos. 2 to 6, is undergoing assembly and testing as planned. Development is also underway for the secondary payloads―CubeSats from industries, universities, and research institutes―which have completed their selection process.The fifth Nuri launch is expected to play a key role in advancing Koreas space capabilities by supporting the launch of national public satellites, expanding Koreas presence in the global launch services market, and enabling space environment verification of various private-sector CubeSats. This in turn will help foster the domestic space technology ecosystem and related industries.Park Jae-sung, Director General of Space Transportation Directorate at KASA, stated, This meeting was a key opportunity to assess readiness for Nuris stage assembly and coordinate next steps. As assembly of Flight Models 4 and 5 is being conducted in parallel, we will thoroughly manage risks related to assembly quality, workplace safety, and schedule adherence to ensure the success of the fourth and fifth launches.

KASA Attends Space Resources Week to Discuss Cooperation on Lunar EconomyThe Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, led by Administrator Yoon Youngbin, announced that John Lee, Vice Administrator of the Mission Directorates, attends Space Resources Week* 2025, held in Luxembourg from May 19, Monday. During the event, Vice Administrator Lee held bilateral meetings with H.E. Lex Delles, Minister of the Economy of Luxembourg, and Dr. Marc Serres, CEO of the Luxembourg Space Agency, to discuss cooperation in space and lunar resource exploration.* Space Resources Week is a leading international event held annually in Luxembourg, bringing together experts to discuss key topics such as space resource technologies, international law, and strategies for exploration and utilization.This meeting is a follow-up to the discussions held in July 2024 in Seoul between KASA Administrator Yoon and the Luxembourg Minister for Digitalization. At that time, both sides agreed to expand collaboration in space resource exploration, satellite development and utilization, and to promote exchange between space industries and the creation of new market opportunities.Vice Administrator Lee and the Luxembourg counterparts explored ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in lunar and space exploration, and shared policy directions on space economy initiatives pursued by both countries.As part of the Space Resources Week, Vice Administrator Lee delivered a presentation titled Koreas Space Policy of Korea and Lunar Resources, including the 2032 Lunar Lander Mission, and participated in a panel discussion on Future Directions for Space Resources and Short-Term Goals for ISRU In-Situ Resource Utilization**, engaging in meaningful dialogue on international collaboration and the future of lunar resource development.** ISRU In-Situ Resource Utilization: A technology that enables the use of local resources on celestial bodies such as the Moon or Mars during space exploration to produce necessary materials.In addition, KASA is using this occasion to consult with international partners on potential cooperation regarding Koreas plans to utilize lunar resources as part of the 2032 lunar landing mission. Vice Administrator Lee will also visit the European Space Resources Innovation Centre ESRIC to observe Luxembourgs startup incubation programs and examine how these initiatives are contributing to the growth of the global space economy.Luxembourg is a leading country in the space economy, with national policies that foster the growth of startups based on space resource utilization, said Vice Administrator Lee. KASA will expand international cooperation and industrial participation to pave the way for Koreas own space economy through active engagement in space resource utilization.

KASA-NASA Sign the Implementing ArrangementTo board the K-RadCube CubeSat for Space Radiation Monitoring on Artemis IIThe Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, led by Administrator Yoon Youngbin, announced on May 2 that it signed an Implementing Arrangement* with the U.S.s National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA to collaborate on the Artemis II mission by launching the Korean cube satellite K-RadCube.* Implementing Arrangement is a xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-document.that specifies the roles, responsibilities, and procedures for carrying out the terms of a previously signed agreement or memorandum between the parties.This Implementing Arrangement outlines the roles and responsibilities of both KASA and NASA in preparing, launching, operating, and disposing of the K-RadCube satellite. It also includes provisions for the joint use and open access of scientific data collected by the satellite. The Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute KASI and NARA Space have participated in the development of K-RadCube, a cube satellite designed to measure space radiation in the Van Allen radiation belts around Earth. Its mission is to analyze the impact of space radiation on astronauts.Through this arrangement, NASA will support the launch of the K-RadCube aboard Artemis II, providing an appropriate payload environment and interface. KASA plans to complete the development and flight certification of K-RadCube by July, after which it will be delivered to NASA and operated after launch.The Artemis program is the first mission to send humans to the Moon since Apollo. Artemis II will carry four astronauts and perform a test flight of NASAs Space Launch System SLS and the Orion spacecraft. As part of this mission, K-RadCube is scheduled to be installed in the Orion Stage Adapter* OSA.* The OSA is a device that connects the Orion spacecraft to the SLS, ensuring that the spacecraft is safely launched into space along with other payloads.KASA has closely worked with the U.S. since its establishment, and for the selection process for mounting K-RadCube on Artemis II, KASA was added as an implementing agency under the ROK-U.S. Framework agreement for Space Cooperation.Since the Trump administration, both KASA and NASA have remained aware of the programs importance and conluded the Implementing Arrangement, establishing a solid basis to proceed with all preparations for the launch scheduled for April next year―including payload integration and operations―without delays.The data collected by the K-RadCube will be open so that it can be used by relevant research communities, and it is expected to play an important role in future cooperation on deep space exploration.Administrator Yoon stated, Through the signing of this Implementing Arrangement, we anticipate even closer collaboration with NASA in the field of deep space exploration beyond the Moon.