– Commitment to Expanding Support for Industry Announced at the Industry Meeting on Expanding Lunar Economic Frontiers
The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA, Administrator Taeseog Oh) held the “Industry Meeting on Expanding Lunar Economic Frontiers through Public-Private Cooperation” on July 8 (Wed) at the KASA headquarters.
A total of nine companies* developing lunar landers, logistics mobility solutions, and related technologies participated in the meeting. The meeting was particularly significant as it marked the first industry meeting held as a follow-up activity after the National Space Committee approved the “Korea Aerospace Industry Promotion Strategy” (hereinafter referred to as the “Industry Promotion Strategy”) on July 3 (Fri).
* AP Satellite, LIG D&A, MicroInfinity, Intergravity Technologies, Korea Aerospace Industries, Hanwha Systems, Hanwha Aerospace, Hyundai Rotem, Hyundai Motor Company
The meeting was organized to directly hear from domestic companies regarding their detailed R&D progress and plans related to lunar exploration, implement the lunar economy policies outlined in the Industry Promotion Strategy more effectively, and explore practical policy support measures.
The meeting began with opening remarks emphasizing the importance of promoting domestic companies’ entry into the global lunar economy and strengthening government-private sector cooperation to establish a self-sustaining lunar exploration industry ecosystem. It was then followed by a presentation on the development of lunar economic frontiers outlined in the Industry Promotion Strategy and an open discussion.
Prior to the open discussion, Kyungin Kang, Director General of the Space Science Exploration Directorate at KASA, introduced key plans to support domestic companies’ participation in global lunar base development, while enabling them to secure lunar exploration capabilities at an early stage in response to the emerging global lunar economy.
First, Director General Kang explained, “To support the development of private-sector capabilities for building lunar communication infrastructure, we are pursuing a project to develop lunar orbital communication and navigation technologies led by industry starting in 2027, and to launch a demonstration lunar orbital communications satellite (500 kg class) in 2029.”
He also announced plans to support the development and demonstration of small lunar landers (700 kg class) by domestic companies, with the goal of achieving Korea’s first private-sector-led lunar landing in 2030. Through this initiative, KASA aims to help companies establish globally competitive lunar transportation business models at an early stage.
In addition, Director General Kang introduced plans to support projects aimed at enabling Korea’s competitive technologies, including mobility solutions, to become key technologies for global lunar base development. For example, a logistics transportation-focused mobility solution tailored to NASA’s lunar base construction needs will be developed by domestic companies starting in 2028, with a demonstration planned for 2031. Director General stated, “We will continue to identify various policy measures to help domestic companies rapidly transition into global service providers.”
During the following open discussion, company representatives welcomed KASA’s strong commitment to fostering the lunar exploration industry, while sharing practical challenges they face in the field, including difficulties in making initial investments required to enter the global lunar exploration market.
The companies also expressed expectations that strengthened government support as a catalyst would lead to expanded private-sector investment and create a virtuous cycle. They further shared various opinions on policy support measures needed in the field.
Administrator Taeseog Oh stated, “The Moon has now become a key space asset not only from the perspective of science research but also in terms of national security and economic value. Expanding the Republic of Korea’s economic frontier beyond Earth to the Moon and deep space requires the mobilization of national capabilities. In particular, enhancing the competitiveness of industry and actively leveraging its potential capabilities are of utmost importance.”
Administrator Oh also stressed that “this meeting is not a one-time event, but the beginning of continuous and in-depth communication with industry,” adding, “We will establish a strong policy foundation to foster innovative companies such as a ‘Korean SpaceX’ and further strengthen support so that Korean companies can play pivotal roles on the global stage, including NASA’s lunar base development programs.”
Finally, Administrator Oh pledged that KASA would fulfill the role of an “entrepreneurial government” in revitalizing the lunar exploration industry ecosystem, while urging industry to “trust the government and continue investing in the future.”