➀ Implementing a Block Buy Contract for Nuri’s 5th Launch and Successive Launches
➁ Conducting a Feasibility Study on Securing a LEO Satellite Communication Network
(Led by MSIT, in Collaboration with Relevant Ministries and Agencies)
➂ Launching the Space Radiation Measurement Satellite K-RadCube aboard Artemis II
➃ Aiming to Launch a Lunar Communication Orbiter via Nuri by 2029
➄ 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 World
121. Strengthening Economic Diplomacy Capabilities to Secure Economic Security and Overcome Trade Crises
Strengthening diplomatic capabilities and overcome economic and trade crisis.
Strengthening economic and diplomatic capabilities and overcome economic and trade crisis
The 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 Capabilities
To 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 Strategy(tentative)” to nurture the field-oriented talent required by the industry, KASA will expand its focus on cultivating experts with Master’s and Ph.D. degrees through cross-departmental collaboration.
❷ (Industry) Providing Robust Support to Foster Aerospace Industry
To 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 & Revenue Sharing Partner (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 Launches
KASA 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 Launches
KASA 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 Science
KASA 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 Technologies
To 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 Korea’s Global Space Standing
KASA 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 Nuri's 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 world's 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.