Korea AeroSpace Administration

12 Organizations Involved in the Final Inspection and Training ExercisesThe Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Taeseog Oh announced that it conducted a comprehensive launch safety control exercise on Thursday, September 3 at the Naro Space Center in Goheung, Jeollanam-do, ahead of the 5th launch of Korea Space Launch Vehicle Nuri KSLV-II, hereinafter Nuri scheduled for Wednesday, October 7. The exercise involved 12 organizations, including government agencies, the military, police, and local governments, to conduct a final inspection of launch safety control procedures.The comprehensive launch safety control exercise was conducted to ensure public safety during the launch process and support a successful launch by comprehensively reviewing systems for controlling personnel and vehicles around the Naro Space Center, restricting access by ships and aircraft along the launch trajectory, evacuating local residents, and responding to emergency situations such as terrorism and disasters.On June 18, KASA established the Launch Safety Control Council, consisting of relevant organizations, including government agencies, the military, police, and local governments, to discuss necessary areas of cooperation throughout the launch process. KASA has also made thorough preparations by conducting a command staff exercise based on a tabletop training format on July 15 at the Naro Space Center for liaison officers and on-site managers from participating organizations. The exercise involved liaison officers and on-site managers from each organization gathering in the situation room to review launch safety control missions and emergency response procedures.This comprehensive launch safety control exercise reflected improvement measures identified through the previous command staff exercise. Under conditions identical to those on the actual launch day, the exercise will review and train launch safety control procedures across land, sea, and air domains.In particular, the exercise focused on strengthening cooperation systems among relevant organizations and enhancing response capabilities for various emergency scenarios, including the appearance of unauthorized unmanned aerial vehicles drones on launch day, unauthorized entry of ships and aircraft into restricted areas, ground impact, explosions, fires, and oil spills resulting from an abnormal launch, as well as terrorist incidents.KASA Administrator Taeseog Oh said, The 5th launch of Nuri holds significant meaning as a launch that will help secure launch reliability through repeated launches and promote the growth of the space industry ecosystem. He added, Through thorough safety control exercises conducted under real-world conditions, we will make every effort to ensure a safe launch of Nuri by fully preparing for various emergency situations that may occur during the launch process and conducting a final, comprehensive inspection to secure public safety.

30 High School Students to Witness Nuris 5th Launch in Goheung Students to Design, Build, and Test Their Own Launch VehiclesThe Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Taeseog Oh announced that it will accept applications for the 4th KASA Space Camp from high school students nationwide from Monday, September 7 to Tuesday, September 15.Hosted by KASA and organized by the Korea Science KSSYO, the camp will be held from October 6 to 8. Designed as an educational program, the camp aims to provide young students with hands-on experiences in the aerospace field and help them grow into future aerospace professionals. Marking its fourth edition this year, the Space Camp has welcomed a total of 210 participants through its previous three sessions. The program has included visits to major aerospace facilities, including Korea Aerospace Industries KAI and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute KARI, as well as observation of the 4th launch of Korea Launch Vehicle Nuri KSLV-II, hereinafter Nuri.High school students interested in participating can download the application form from the websites of KASA and KSSYO, complete it, and submit it via email rocket@yak.or.kr from Monday, September 7 to Tuesday, September 15 KST. Based on the submitted applications, a panel of experts will conduct evaluations, and the final 30 participants will be selected and individually notified on Tuesday, September 22.This years camp will be operated as a launch vehicle development project where students design and build their own rockets. Participants will form teams to learn about launch vehicle structures and principles and carry out the entire process, from design and manufacturing to launch experiments. Going beyond simple hands-on activities, students will solve problems through a process similar to actual aerospace development. By repeating cycles of failure and improvement, they will develop creative thinking, collaboration skills, and engineering problem-solving capabilities.In addition, students will present the development process and results of the launch vehicles they created themselves. Through the experience of turning ideas into actual technologies, they will gain clearer goals and motivation for pursuing careers in the aerospace field. Then, on the second day of the camp, Wednesday, October 7, participants will directly observe the 5th launch of Nuri from near the Naro Space Center in Goheung, Jeollanam-do. Students will have a special opportunity to experience firsthand the development of Koreas independently developed space launch vehicle and gain a deeper understanding of the present and future of Koreas space development.KASA Administrator Taeseog Oh said, The future of aerospace depends on how much young people dream and challenge themselves. Through this camp, we hope students will experience the excitement of Nuris launch firsthand and take their first step toward becoming future aerospace professionals. He added, KASA will continue to expand various cultural and educational programs so that young people can experience space more closely and turn their scientific imagination into real-world challenges.

 KASAs 2027 Budget Proposal: KRW 1.6491 Trillion +529 Billion YoYMajor Investment Areas: Space Highway, Lunar Exploration, Advanced Satellites, Future Aviation, and Private-Sector-Led Aerospace EcosystemThe Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Taeseog Oh announced that KASAs 2027 government budget proposal totals KRW 1.6491 trillion, an increase of KRW 529 billion from KRW 1.1201 trillion in 2026.KASA Budget Trend: KRW 759.8 billion in 2024KRW 964.9 billion in 2025KRW 1.12 trillion in 2026The 2027 budget proposal goes beyond research and development and toward more strategic investment to foster aerospace as a key national industry. Global aerospace industry ecosystem is rapidly being reorganized around the private sector, and new markets are beginning to open in earnestthe governments plan is to share early-stage market and technology development risks, thereby encouraging private-sector challenges and investment.In 2027, KASAs investment will focus on five areas: ① building a space highway for access to space, ② expanding Koreas space economic territory through lunar exploration, ③ fostering the advanced satellite industry, ④ strengthening the competitiveness of the future aviation industry, and ⑤ creating a private-sector-led aerospace industry ecosystem. The goal is to connect accumulated technological capabilities in launch vehicles, exploration, satellites, and aviation to industrial competitiveness, while enabling companies and regions to become the center of aerospace industry growth.The details of these five priority investment areas are as follows.① Building Koreas Space Highway: Korean Satellites on Korean Launch Vehicles2026: KRW 263.2 billion2027: KRW 562.9 billion, up 113.8%The capability to freely access space is a key foundation for securing national space sovereignty while fostering the growth of the space industry. KASA will make a bold investment of KRW 562.9 billion, more than double the previous years budget, to complete Koreas space highway infrastructure and accelerate the transition to an era of private-sector-led commercial launch services.First, KASA will continue the Korean Launch Vehicle Advancement Project to enhance the reliability of Korea Space Launch Vehicle Nuri KSLV-II, hereinafter Nuri. Nuri Follow-up Launch Support Project will be started to establish a launch system through which launch will take place at least once year. Then, in a more mid-to-long term perspective, a private-sector-led commercial launch ecosystem will be established to launch two or more times per year. KASA will also expand the budget for the Next-Generation Launch Vehicle Development Project, which will become a game changer in securing global price competitiveness for launch vehicles, and accelerate efforts to secure first-stage reusability and large-scale transportation technologies. To respond in a timely manner to rapidly increasing demand for space launches from both the private and public sectors, KASA will newly establish the Naro Space Center Advancement Phase 3 Project. The project will replace aging launch-site equipment and construct a large-scale assembly facility and a test building, thereby expanding domestic space launch infrastructure.[Key Projects Related to Building Koreas Space Highway]Nuri Follow-up Launch Support: KRW 75 billion 2027 proposal, newKorean Launch Vehicle Advancement R: KRW 125.3 billion 2026KRW 155.0 billion 2027 proposalNext-Generation Launch Vehicle Development R: KRW 120.4 billion 2026KRW 291.6 billion 2027 proposalNaro Space Center Advancement Phase 3 R: KRW 25.3 billion 2027 proposal, new② Expanding Koreas Space Economic Territory through Lunar Exploration2026: KRW 99.8 billion2027: KRW 279.4 billion, up 180.1%The Moon is not only a target for scientific exploration but also a key stage for the future space economy, where practical economic activities in areas such as communications, navigation, and resource utilization will take place. KASA will invest KRW 279.4 billion, nearly three times the previous years budget, to establish a lunar exploration ecosystem that progresses from the establishment of Earth-Moon communications infrastructure to demonstration of a small lunar lander, and to completion of an independent lunar landing.To proactively secure a communications network connecting the lunar surface and Earth, KASA will newly launch the Lunar Orbital Communications Satellite Development Project. KASA will also pursue the Lunar Surface Mission Payloads and Mobility Technology Development Project to strengthen capabilities for scientific research and mobility on the lunar surface. In addition, KASA will actively pursue the Small Lunar Lander Development Project to take on the challenge of achieving a lunar landing and conducting technology demonstrations in 2030. Furthermore, KASA will connect accumulated private-sector technological capabilities and infrastructure with the Lunar Exploration Phase 2 Lunar Lander Development Project to expand Koreas economic territory into space.[Key Projects Related to Expanding Space Economic Territory through Lunar Exploration]Lunar Orbital Communications Satellite Development R: KRW 13.0 billion 2027 proposal, newLunar Surface Mission Payloads and Mobility Technology Development R: KRW 5.6 billion 2027 proposal, newSmall Lunar Lander Development R: KRW 106.3 billion 2027 proposal, newLunar Exploration Phase 2 Lunar Lander Development R: KRW 80.9 billion 2026KRW 93.7 billion 2027 proposal③ Securing World-Class Advanced Satellite Technologies and Making the Satellite Industry a New Growth Engine2026: KRW 236.2 billion2027: KRW 264.7 billion, up 12.1%The global satellite market is rapidly growing due to the establishment of low Earth orbit LEO satellite communications networks and the rapidly increasing demand for space AI data. Accordingly, KASA will invest KRW 264.7 billion, a 12.1% increase from the previous year, to actively foster a satellite manufacturing and utilization ecosystem covering the entire lifecycle, ranging from ultra-high-resolution observation satellites to communications and navigation infrastructure and next-generation new industries such as space AI data centers.First, KASA will newly launch the Geostationary Environmental and Ocean Satellite Development Project to significantly strengthen national security and precision monitoring capabilities for climate and disasters. KASA will also develop KOMPSAT-8 to lead ultra-high-resolution observation technologies. In addition, KASA will continue the Korean Positioning System KPS Development Project to establish an independent positioning and navigation foundation and the Low Earth Orbit LEO Satellite Communications Technology Development Project to lead the 6G era by connecting ground and space. Furthermore, KASA will proactively secure future technologies, including core technologies for space AI data centers that can overcome limitations in power and cooling, thereby opening new frontiers in next-generation space industries.[Key Projects Related to Fostering the Advanced Satellite Industry]Geostationary Environmental and Ocean Satellite Development R: KRW 28.5 billion 2027 proposal, newKOMPSAT-8 Development R: KRW 18.8 billion 2026KRW 56.5 billion 2027 proposalLow Earth Orbit Satellite Communications Technology Development R: KRW 15.3 billion 2026KRW 20.5 billion 2027 proposalKorean Positioning System KPS Development R: KRW 38.3 billion 2026KRW 46.5 billion 2027 proposalHigh-Efficiency, Large-Capacity Thermal Management and Power Control Core Technology Development and Ground Verification Project Strategic Research Project of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, KARI: KRW 2.1 billion 2027 proposal, new④ Strengthening the Competitiveness of the Aviation Industry through Future Aviation Technologies2026: KRW 53.1 billion2027: KRW 56.8 billion, up 7.0%Despite the completion of two existing programs in 2026 totaling KRW 17.3 billion, the overall budget will increase as new investments in key future technology areas, including AAM and drones, are expanded.The aviation industry is a strategic national industry integrating advanced technologies such as advanced materials, machinery, and electronics, and global competition to secure leadership in future markets is intensifying. Accordingly, KASA will invest KRW 56.8 billion, a 7.0% increase from the previous year, to simultaneously secure leadership in key future mobility technologies, achieve self-reliance in strategic technologies, and support Korean companies in entering global value chains GVCs.First, KASA will newly launch the AAM Innovation Technology Development Project and the Drone-to-Drone Core Technology Development Project based on public demand, and expand investment in the Electric-Turbine Hybrid Propulsion System Core Technology Development Project to secure eco-friendly and highly efficient propulsion systems. In addition, KASA will launch the Advanced Aircraft Engine Core Materials and Components Manufacturing Technology Development Project to establish a domestic system for developing advanced aircraft engines. Furthermore, KASA will newly pursue the International Joint Civil Aircraft Development Participation Foundation Building Project to systematically support entry into the high-value-added aircraft manufacturing ecosystem and secure long-term supplier positions in global supply chains led by companies such as Boeing and Airbus.[Key Projects Related to Strengthening Global Competitiveness in Future Aviation]AAM Innovation Technology Development R: KRW 3.0 billion 2027 proposal, newDrone-to-Drone Core Technology Development R: KRW 3.1 billion 2027 proposal, newElectric-Turbine Hybrid Propulsion System Core Technology Development R: KRW 6.0 billion 2026KRW 10.0 billion 2027 proposalNext-Generation Aircraft Weapon System Advanced Aircraft Engine Core Materials and Components Manufacturing Technology Development R: KRW 2.7 billion 2027 proposal, newInternational Joint Civil Aircraft Development Participation Foundation Building: KRW 2.0 billion 2027 proposal, new⑤ Building a Private-Sector-Led Aerospace Industry Ecosystem2026: KRW 181.3 billion2027: KRW 184.5 billion, up 1.8%KASA will establish a virtuous-cycle industrial ecosystem where R sales, job creation, and exports. KASA will invest KRW 184.5 billion, a 1.8% increase from the previous year, to strengthen a full-cycle corporate support system, including funding, demonstration opportunities, and workforce development, enabling outstanding startups and small and medium-sized enterprises to grow.First, KASA will continue investment in the New Space Investment Support Fund to encourage challenging investments and scale-up by private-sector-led aerospace companies, and expand investment in Space Technology Commercialization Demonstration Support to accelerate the commercialization of promising technologies. In addition, KASA will expand the budget for the Private Aerospace Industry Ecosystem Establishment Program to promote aerospace startups and support overseas exports. Furthermore, KASA will expand investment in industry-oriented professional workforce development to timely provide practical talent that meets industry demand and strengthen the foundation of the aerospace industry.[Key Projects Related to Building the Aerospace Industry Ecosystem]New Space Investment Support: KRW 100 billion 2026KRW 100 billion 2027 proposalSpace Technology Commercialization Demonstration Support: KRW 0.5 billion 2026KRW 1.5 billion 2027 proposalPrivate Aerospace Industry Ecosystem Establishment: KRW 0.9 billion 2026KRW 1.9 billion 2027 proposalSpace Technology Innovation Talent Cultivation: KRW 3.0 billion 2026KRW 6.1 billion 2027 proposalKASAs 2027 government budget proposal will be finalized after deliberations by the relevant standing committees and the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts of the National Assembly, followed by a vote at a plenary session.KASA Administrator Oh said, The 2027 budget proposal focuses on connecting government-led technology development with company growth and industrial competitiveness, going beyond technology development itself. He added, We will do our utmost to achieve a major leap forward for Koreas aerospace industry by strengthening competitiveness in space transportation, space exploration, advanced satellites, and future aviation.

800+ Global Experts Gather under the theme New Space, New Insight KASA Plans to Expand R NIS 3rd Deputy Director Kim Chang-seop Highlights Importance of Satellite Information and Space SecurityThe Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Taeseog Oh and the National Intelligence Service NIS will jointly host the 2026 Satellite Application Conference from Wednesday, September 2 to Thursday, September 3 at the Daejeon Convention Center.Marking its fifth anniversary this year, the Satellite Application Conference has been held annually since 2022 to establish a cooperative ecosystem among domestic industry, academia, research institutes, and government agencies and to create synergies, as the utilization of satellite information and space technologies continues to expand. Under the theme of New Space, New Insight, this years conference will bring together more than 800 participants, including domestic and international satellite utilization companies, universities, research institutes, and government officials. The event is hosted by KASA and NIS and is organized by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute KARI.On the first day, the conference will begin with keynote speeches by executives from Naver Labs, Airbus DKAI, Hanwha Systems, and Nara Space, will operate exhibition booths throughout the event to engage with participants.The 2026 Satellite Application Conference is open for participation through online pre-registration and on-site registration. Further details about the event are available on the official website https://sac2026.kr, and https://sac2026.kr/eng/ for English.NIS 3rd Deputy Director General Kim Chang-seop said, Satellite information is no longer limited to experts; it has become national infrastructure supporting security, disaster management, and industrial innovation, adding, As a leading institution in space security, the NIS will closely communicate and cooperate with industry, academia, and research institutes to promote the utilization of satellite information.KASA Administrator Taeseog Oh said, Amid the major trends of New Space and artificial intelligence AI, the utilization of vast amounts of data transmitted by satellites is emerging as a key driver of the space economy, adding, We will further expand RLEO satellite communications network, and actively contribute to expanding the satellite industry ecosystem beyond securing communications sovereignty.

40kg-Class Drone-Robot System Delivers Packages to Apt. ResidentsReal Residential Environments Demonstrations are Laying Foundation for Everyday Commercial Delivery ServicesThe Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Taeseog Oh, together with the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute ETRI, President Park Se-woong, announced that it has developed a drone-robot collaborative delivery system capable of handling heavy cargo of up to 40kg and is conducting field validation through actual operations in a densely populated residential area within an apartment complex in Jinju Innovation City from Monday, August 24 to Saturday, August 29.KASA has been conducting validation in real operating environments across various regions of Korea to proactively address potential risks and enhance the reliability of drone-robot integrated delivery technology to a level suitable for commercialization. In 2025, the feasibility of integrated operations among drones, robots, and stations was verified in Naepo New Town, Chungcheongnam-do. In 2026, delivery capabilities were further validated in Jeju March-April and Sacheon August under environments involving island regions and public and logistics facilities.[Details of Field Demonstrations]Naepo New Town, Chungnam Province December 2025, 40 times: Book deliveries from Chungnam Library droneHongbuk-eup Office Naepo Branch parking lot station, robotNaepo Middle School.Jeju March-April 2026, 89 times: Daily necessities deliveries from Geumneung Port Drone Delivery Center droneBiyangdo Docking Station station, robot56 delivery points on Biyangdo Island.Sacheon August 2026, 60 times: Parcel deliveries from a private logistics center droneSacheon City Hall parking lot station, robotthree delivery points at Sacheon City Hall, including parcel storage facilities and civil service offices.Jinju August 2026, 50 times: Deliveries of Packages from riverside area near Eunhasu Dongsan Toy Bank in Jinju droneopen space near Centum River Park station, robotCentum River Park ApartmentsIn the Jinju demonstration, drone-robot delivery systems were tested in apartment complexes in urban residential areas, with the goal of securing technological reliability in densely populated living environments. The autonomous driving capabilities of robots through narrow pathways inaccessible to drones, pedestrian crossings, and apartment complexes were indeed verifiedwith drones transporting toys and books ordered by customers and weighing up to 40kg in total from the Toy Bank and Childrens Library to a designated delivery hub, where they were then transferred to autonomous robots and delivered directly to apartment doorsteps. To improve the stability and reliability of the system, these operations are conducted multiple times.KASA is placing particular emphasis on safety measures during the Jinju demonstration, as it is being conducted in a densely populated area. Response procedures have been established for various emergency situations, including drone platform and propulsion system failures, communication disruptions, and severe weather conditions, while safety management systems around drone and robot routes have been strengthened.KASA Administrator Taeseog Oh stated, To enable drone and robot collaborative delivery services to be utilized in peoples daily lives, it is important to secure social acceptance through demonstrations in actual residential environments. He added, We will make the utmost efforts to enhance technological maturity by fully utilizing this demonstration and establish the foundation for service commercialization.