- A New Milestone: KASA Reaches 1 Trillion KRW in Budget
- Focusing on the Implementation of the New Government'sNational Policy Task, ‘Pioneering K-Space with Our Own Technology’
The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA, Administrator Yoon Youngbin) announced that its 2026 budget has been finalized at 1.1201 trillion KRW*, following approval by the National Assembly on December 2nd. This marks an increase of 155.2 billlion KRW (16.1%) compared to the 2025 budget of 964.9 billion KRW.
(*1.1201 trillion KRW is approximately 800 million USD, as of December 2025.)
The 2026 budget reflects a strategic increase in investments aimed at systematically implementing the new government’s national policy task in the aerospace sector, 'Pioneering K-Space with Our Own Technology.' As a result, KASA has officially entered the 1 trillion KRW budget era for the first time.
KASA will allocate its 2026 budget to six key areas as follows:
266.2 billion KRW for enhancing space transportation capabilities and acquiring new technologies, ② 236.2 billion KRW for innovations in satellite-based communication, navigation, and observation, ③ 96.8 billion KRW for generating future space exploration, ④ 51.1 billion KRW for securing future aviation technologies and supply chain stability, ⑤ 173.8 billion KRW for fostering a private-sector-led industrial ecosystem, ⑥ 255.9 billion KRW for nurturing aerospace talent and advancing practical diplomacy in the space sector.
During the National Assembly review, an additional 2 billion KRW was allocated for the Korean Launch Vehicle Advancement Project, which reflects the 2026 preliminary preparation budget necessary for the Nuri’s 7th launch in 2028. Additionally, as part of efforts to expand human resources in the space sector, the budget for 'Expanding Aerospace Culture' initiative, which supports university and graduate students in developing and launching CubeSats, was increased by 950 million KRW.
Administrator Yoon Youngbin of KASA stated, "Following the success of the 4th Nuri launch, we have significantly expanded the budget for new technology development and support for startups and growth in the space sector in 2026, allowing the private sector to become the main driver of space development." He also added, "We will strengthen investments to secure game-changing technologies, such as reusable launch vehicles, by leveraging private sector innovation, and foster the space and aerospace industry as a key national sector."