Tangible Result of Korea-U.S. Artemis CooperationScheduled for Launch Between February and April; To Perform Space Radiation Observation in High Earth Orbit HEOThe Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute KASI, President Park Jang-hyun announced that the CubeSat "K-RadCube," slated for NASAs Artemis II manned lunar mission, has completed all ground preparations. The satellite is scheduled for launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida between February and April*.*Official launch windows EST: Feb 6-8, 10-11 / Mar 6-9, 11 / Apr 1, 3-6.NASAs Artemis II mission will conduct test flights of the Space Launch System SLS and the Orion spacecraft. K-RadCube, integrated into the Orion Stage Adapter OSA, will measure space radiation levels across different altitudes within the Van Allen Radiation Belts. The collected data will be used to analyze the impact of cosmic radiation on astronauts during Earth-Moon transit.This launch follows the Implementing Agreement IA signed between South Korea and the U.S. in May last year. KASI, the lead agency, is responsible for satellite and radiation-measuring payload development, flight certification, data management, and decommissioning. In the private sector, Nara Space Technology developed the CubeSat bus, while KT SAT will manage operations. The secondary payload includes semiconductors from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix to verify the operational reliability of space-qualified devices in high-orbit radiation environments. NASA oversees technical support for the integration and launch of K-RadCube.Upon deployment into high Earth orbit, K-RadCube will establish initial communication with overseas ground stations. Following ground control commands, it will perform step-by-step thruster maneuvers to reach its target orbit. The plan involves raising the perigee altitude to approximately 150km in the initial orbit, followed by an increase to 200km in the second orbit to reach its final station.As a secondary payload for Artemis II, K-RadCube must overcome technical constraints far exceeding those of typical Low Earth Orbit LEO satellites and satisfy NASAs rigorous safety standards for manned flight. The mission involves significant operational challenges, including enduring the intense vibrations of the SLS, securing rapid communication in the extreme environment of a Highly Elliptical Orbit HEO, and executing precise orbital maneuvers. The acquired data will be released globally six months after the launch."K-RadCube is a significant milestone that internationally validates South Koreas capabilities in deep space CubeSat development and operation, as well as the safety and reliability technologies applicable to manned space exploration," said KASA Administrator Yoon Youngbin. "This will serve as a catalyst for expanding Koreas technical contributions and role in future lunar and deep space exploration."

Approval of Revised Next Generation Launch Vehicle Development Plan Completed Following Ministry of Economy and Finances Adequacy Review2.292 Trillion KRW Confirmed for Developing Methane-Propellant Based Reusable Next-Generation Launch VehicleThe Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin announced that the results of the "Project Plan Adequacy Review" regarding the early transition of the Next-Generation Launch Vehicle to a reusable system* were deliberated and approved during the Fiscal Project Evaluation Committee Ministry of Economy and Finance held on Monday, December 22.* Confirmed through the "Revised 4th Master Plan for Space Development Promotion," deliberated and approved at the 4th National Space Committee Nov. 2025, which aims to "achieve lunar exploration missions and secure a reusable system early by developing a methane engine-based reusable Next-Generation Launch Vehicle."Following the adequacy review for the transition to a methane-based reusable launch vehicle, the total project budget has been finalized at 2.92 trillion KRW, an increase of 278.85 billion KRW from the original plan. The majority of the increased budget will be allocated to constructing methane-propellant test facilities and developing core reusability technologies.In particular, the revised project plan shifts from the previous method of simultaneously developing two types of kerosene-based multi-stage combustion cycle engines for the first and second stages to developing a single 80-ton methane propellant engine to be applied to both stages. This approach aims to ensure the successful execution of the lunar lander launch mission scheduled for 2032 while progressively securing a globally competitive reusable launch vehicle.Originally, for the Next-Generation Launch Vehicle development project initiated in 2023 following a preliminary feasibility study in 2022, KASA applied for administrative procedures to transition to a reusable launch vehicle last May. This was to address the rapidly growing national space development demand expected in the 2030s and to respond timely to the global competition for reusable launch vehicles. In November, the National Space Council finalized the "Revised 4th Master Plan for Space Development Promotion," which officially included the development of the Next-Generation Launch Vehicle as a methane-based reusable launch vehicle.KASA Administrator Yoon Youngbin emphasized, "The approval of the plan to transition the Next-Generation Launch Vehicle into a reusable system not only demonstrates the seamless implementation of the governments national agenda of leapfrogging and growth through technological innovation but also marks a pivotal starting point for securing low-cost, high-frequency space launch capabilities alongside our independent lunar lander launch in 2032, fulfilling the expectations of the public who supported the Nuri rocket launches."

- All-Sky Map Captured in 102 Colors to Unlock Secrets of the Universes Evolution-South Korean Scientists Join International Research Team to Analyze Cosmic Data[ Related National Policy Tasks ]Task 28. Development of NEXT-Generation Strategic Technologies to Lead the WorldThe Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin has announced the release of the first all-sky map captured by the SPHEREx* space telescope. Jointly developed by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute KASI, under the KASAs umbrella, and NASA, this groundbreaking map was made public on December 19.* SPHEREx: Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices ExplorerFigure 1. SPHEREx All-Sky Map Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech.SPHEREx has mapped the entire sky in 102 infrared colors, revealing various cosmic features. This image shows a selection of those colors, representing infrared light emitted by stars blue, green, and white, hot hydrogen gas blue, and cosmic dust red.The newly released image is the first-ever all-sky map created by spectrally capturing the entire sky across 102 infrared wavelengths. Following its launch on March 12 this year, SPHEREx began full-scale observations on May 1 and completed the map after surveying the entire sky over approximately six months. As these infrared wavelengths are invisible to the human eye, Figure 1 was generated by translating these specific wavelengths into visible colors to represent different cosmic features. Stars are shown in blue, green, and white, while hot hydrogen gas appears in blue and cosmic dust in red.Orbiting the Earth approximately 14.5 times per day, the telescope crosses the North and South Poles and passes through the polar regions. Every day, it captures around 3,600 images along a circular strip of the sky. As the Earth orbits the Sun, the telescopes field of view shifts gradually. Over this period, the observations produce a complete 360-degree mosaic image of the entire sky. The research team then digitally combined these images to create the first all-sky map.To carry out these observations, the telescope uses specially designed linear variable filters mounted on six detectors to observe 102 wavelength bands. Each wavelength provides unique information about galaxies, stars, star-forming regions, and other celestial objects. For example, dust clouds in our galaxy, where stars are densely forming, appear bright at certain wavelengths but are not visible at others. By leveraging these 102 colors, scientists can measure distances to hundreds of millions of galaxies and map their three-dimensional distribution.The all-sky survey data will be utilized for key scientific missions, including exploring the history of the universe, the formation and evolution of galaxies, and the origin of water and ice related to the fundamental building blocks of life. The mission is led by NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory JPL, with data analysis conducted by 10 U.S. institutions, along with Korean scientists, including the research team led by Dr. Jeong Woong-seob of KASI. Korean researchers not only contribute to the core science missions and data processing, but also play a significant role in the scientific analysis of observational data across a wide range of research topics.Over the two-year primary mission duration, the international research team plans to conduct three additional all-sky surveys. By integrating these datasets, the team aims to complete an integrated three-dimensional map with enhanced measurement sensitivity. Once processed, the entire dataset will be made available to both the scientific community and the general public free of charge. The data will be accessible worldwide through the NASA/IPAC Infrared Science Archive IRSA, hosted by the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center IPAC at the California Institute of Technology Caltech..Acting Director of NASAs Astrophysics Division, Shawn Domagal-Goldman, stated I felt a thrill when I first encountered SPHERExs vast dataset. In just six months, this space telescope has produced 102 new maps of the universe. This remarkable dataset will serve as a treasure trove of discovery for astronomers around the world.Kang Kyungin, Director-General of the Space Science and Exploration Directorate at KASA, emphasized, By utilizing observational data from the SPHEREx mission, our scientists will be able to play a pivotal role not only in our primary study on cosmic ice, but also in diverse fields such as active galactic nuclei and Small Solar System Bodies.

Space verification of a total of 10 types of payloads, including Samsung Electronics DRAM, NAND, KAIST ADC/DAC ASIC, and MID Co. 8 types of localized space-qualified devices, including SRAM[Related National Task] 28. Fostering NEXT Strategic Technologies to Lead the WorldThe Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin, and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute KARI announced on Thursday, December 18, that the E3T*-1 satellite has successfully completed its initial system checks and is now entering its primary mission phase to verify domestically produced space components under the "Domestic Space Device and Part Space Verification Support Project."* Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical TesterFollowing its launch on November 27 aboard the fourth flight of the Nuri rocket, the E3T-1 successfully established two-way communication on Thursday, December 4. Subsequent initial system checks and payload commissioning were conducted, with data analysis on Wednesday, December 17, confirming that all systems are functioning normally. Consequently, the satellite is set to commence its official space verification mission*.* The mission aims to secure "space heritage" for domestic R1U = 10cm x 10cm x 10cm, will operate at an altitude of 600km for the next 6 to 12 months. Its primary task is to verify domestic Rs bus 4U was co-developed by KARI and Nara Space Technology. The payload 8U features Samsung Electronics DRAM and NAND, KAISTs Mixed-Signal IC Lab ADC/DAC ASIC, and MID Co.s SRAM, which includes 8 types of space-qualified devices* localized by KASA in 2024.*These include SRAM MID, D-sub connectors Yonhap Precision, Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitors Samwha Capacitor, Thermistors Lattron, Heaters Paru Electronics, Magnetics Sensorpia, Resistors Smart Electronics Inc., and Schottky Diodes Sigetronics, Memspack, all developed with support from KASAs "Space Development Infrastructure Establishment and Outcome Dissemination Project" 2020-2024.Chang-heon Han, Director General of the Aerospace Industry Department at KASA, emphasized, "With the start of the E3T-1 mission, we are now able to secure vital space heritage for domestic devices and parts." He added, "We plan to continue providing verification opportunities for homegrown technologies to support our K-Space ambitions."

➀ Implementing a Block Buy Contract for Nuris 5th Launch and Successive Launches➁ Conducting a Feasibility Study on Securing a LEO Satellite Communication NetworkLed by MSIT, in Collaboration with Relevant Ministries and Agencies➂ Launching the Space Radiation Measurement Satellite K-RadCube aboard Artemis II➃ Aiming to Launch a Lunar Communication Orbiter via Nuri by 2029➄ Participating in International Joint Development of Civil Aircraft and Planning for Future Aircraft Development[ Related National Policy Tasks ]28. Development of NEXT-Generation Strategic Technologies to Lead the World121. Strengthening Economic Diplomacy Capabilities to Secure Economic Security and Overcome Trade CrisesStrengthening diplomatic capabilities and overcome economic and trade crisis.Strengthening economic and diplomatic capabilities and overcome economic and trade crisisThe Korea AeroSpace Administration KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin announced its 2026 Work Plan on December 12.To achieve the national policy task, Pioneering K-Space with Homegrown Technology, KASA established three key policy directions: 1 Securing low-cost, high-frequency launch capabilities and infrastructure, 2 Promoting the aerospace industry as a mainstream national sector, and 3 Strengthening international cooperation while expanding the reach of aerospace culture. Under these pillars, KASA plans to execute seven core tasks.❶ Policy Strengthening Aerospace Innovation CapabilitiesTo ensure consistent and integrated policy implementation for the space and aviation industries which share fundamental technologies, the existing National Space Council will be expanded and reorganized into the "National Aerospace Council."To foster the aerospace industry as a new engine for national growth, KASA will establish the Republic of Korea Aerospace Industry Promotion Strategytentative to nurture the field-oriented talent required by the industry, KASA will expand its focus on cultivating experts with Masters and Ph.D. degrees through cross-departmental collaboration.❷ Industry Providing Robust Support to Foster Aerospace IndustryTo create new business opportunities, KASA will establish a legal framework enabling the government to directly procure private-sector products and services for national space projects. Furthermore, KASA will prioritize domestic launch vehicles when deploying public or defense satellites. In the aviation sector, KASA will pursue participation in international joint development of civil aircraft as a Risk RRSP to advance into the global commercial aircraft manufacturing market.To foster high-value industries using satellite information, the agency will pursue the Space Utilization Promotion Act and conduct demonstration projects to commercialize AI-based satellite data services. Furthermore, KASA will develop regional development strategies that leverage the unique characteristics of aerospace industry regions.❸ Space Transportation Driving Space Transportation Innovation through Private-Led LaunchesKASA plans to finalize the development plan for next-generation launch vehicles by 2025 and commence preliminary design in 2026, aiming to secure national reusable launch vehicles by the 2030s. The fifth Nuri Korean Space Launch Vehicle, KSLV-II launch remains on schedule, carrying five micro-satellites NEONSAT-2 through 6 as its primary payload demonstrate multi-satellite deployment capability. In order to accelerate the shift toward commercial space launches, KASA will pursue a block buy contract for regular and sustained Nuri launches of public satellites starting in 2029.To expand commercial launch capabilities, KASA will modernize infrastructure of the Naro Space Center and support the development of private launch facilities, targeted for completion in 2027. In addition, KASA plans to promote the development of orbital transfer vehicles OTVs and satellite refueling technologies, led by private companies, to build the foundation for the next generation of in-space transportation systems.❹ Satellite Bolstering the Satellite Industry through Advanced Development and LaunchesKASA will participate in a national consultative body led by the Ministry of Science and ICT, involving public, private, and military stakeholders, to assess the feasibility of securing a domestic Low Earth Orbit LEO satellite communication network. To fulfill public missions in national security and disaster preparedness and response, KASA will develop and launch advanced satellites. These include the Next-Generation Medium Satellite-2 for Earth observation, Next-Generation Medium Satellite-4 for agricultural and forest monitoring, the Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite-6 with 50 cm-class Synthetic Aperture Radar SAR, and the NEONSAT-2 through 6 micro-satellite constellation for Earth observation, with launches scheduled over a total of four missions. In addition, KASA will pursue the development of core technologies for world-class, 10cm-class Very High-Resolution VHR optical satellites and other key satellite technologies.❺ Space Exploration Expanding the Frontier into Space Exploration beyond Space ScienceKASA is expanding its domain into Space Exploration beyond the realm of space science. This includes launching the domestically developed K-RadCube, a space radiation measurement satellite, via Artemis II and sending the LUSEM Lunar Surface Electromagnetics Analyzer aboard a U.S. commercial lunar lander. In parallel, KASA is also supporting domestic industries to participate in the construction of the SKA Square Kilometre Array, while establishing international cooperation for the Korea-led L4 Heliosphere Exploration and the Lunar Lander Development Project.Building on the proven reliability of the Nuri KSLV-II following its fourth successful launch, new initiatives are being designed to leverage the domestic launch vehicle for lunar exploration. A key highlight is the planned 2029 mission for a Lunar Communication Orbiter, which will utilize the Nuri in combination with an Orbital Transfer Vehicle OTV. To cultivate new frontiers and foster a robust industrial ecosystem, KASA is also promoting private-led space manufacturing platforms and providing comprehensive support to accelerate the commercialization of exploration technologies and startups.❻ Aeronautics Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness through Core Aviation TechnologiesTo seize opportunities in the shifting paradigm of the aviation industry and bolster global competitiveness, KASA is securing development capabilities in four core areas: Drones, Future Aircraft, Aircraft Engines, and Materials, Components, and Equipment MCE. A comprehensive national strategy for drone localization is being established, with a focus on securing AI-based intelligent drone technologies. Furthermore, the development of mission equipment and long-endurance flight capabilities for stratospheric drones is underway to address public needs such as disaster response.KASA is also commencing the development of Electric-Gas Turbine Hybrid Propulsion Systems, a cornerstone technology for next-generation aircraft. The initiative to localize aircraft engines will be executed as an integrated package, encompassing the development of original engine models, the localization of core materials and components, and the establishment of dedicated development and testing infrastructure. In addition to these efforts, KASA is advancing robot-based automated manufacturing processes and eco-friendly, lightweight materials. These initiatives aim to enhance the overall competitiveness of the aviation MCE sector and ensure a sustainable foundation for the future of flight.❼ Global Expanding Strategic Partnerships to Elevate Koreas Global Space StandingKASA is set to operate working groups with the U.S. to identify specific cooperation items for the Artemis Program. While seeking joint projects with existing partners, KASA will expand its strategic global network by signing Memoranda of Understanding MoUs with new partner nations, including Canada. To support the overseas expansion of domestic companies, public-private diplomatic missions will be dispatched to countries with high demand for corporate collaboration, including the U.S. in the first quarter of 2026 and the UAE in the second quarter.KASA Administrator Yoon Youngbin emphasized, "Building on the success of the Nuris fourth launch, which was led by the private sector, we will usher in an era with a budget exceeding 1 trillion won approximately 800 Million USD for the first time in 2026 and accelerate our efforts to secure future-ready achievements." He further stated, "We will leap toward becoming one of the worlds top five aerospace powers by increasing the reliability of our launch vehicles through the fifth launch of Nuri, securing globally competitive technology by initiating the development of reusable launch vehicles, and leading the development of future aircraft AAV through expanded strategic investments.