South Korea has unveiled ambitious new space strategies, aiming to become one of the world’s top five space powers. The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) detailed plans focusing on space transportation, satellites, and space science exploration, approved by the National Space Council on February 25th.

Flagship projects include developing reusable launch vehicles and orbital transfer vehicles. The plan also encompasses ultra-high-resolution satellites, very-low Earth orbit (VLEO) satellites with advanced navigation, and a space observatory destined for the Sun-Earth L4 Lagrange point. A lunar lander is also part of the ambitious agenda.

These strategies support KASA's goal, outlined in the “Fourth Master Plan for Promotion of Space Development” (2023-2027), to become a major space power. KASA will adapt to the evolving space sector, significantly altering the nation’s next-generation launch vehicle project to account for “changes in both domestic and international technological environments,” according to a KASA statement.

While KASA has already developed the Nuri rocket (KSLV-II) and is developing the larger KSLV-III, the latter's development will be modified to achieve reusability by 2035. This involves administrative reviews and may lead to a change of contractors; Hanwha Aerospace currently leads the project. The private sector, including Innospace and Perigee, is also contributing to launch vehicle development, aligning with KASA’s commitment to private-led research.

“In the New Space era, both internationally and domestically, the space sector is changing rapidly,” KASA Administrator Yoon Youngbin stated. “KASA will listen closely to the opinions of experts and relevant ministries…and develop policies that can respond to global trends,” he added.

Lunar exploration targets a moon lander launch by 2032, utilizing an expendable version of the KSLV-III. The Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO) continues its extended mission, featuring NASA’s ShadowCam. The Cheollian 5 satellite, South Korea’s first geostationary satellite from a private enterprise, is currently open for bidding.

Further plans include two low Earth orbit communication satellites based on 6G standards by 2030, along with ground stations and terminals for a pilot network. “In order to expand the future space economy, the development of innovative technologies led by the private sector is essential,” Bang Hyochoong, vice chair of the National Space Council, emphasized. “Through this strategy, the direction to nurture the private sector and secure core fundamental technologies in the long term has been clearly presented,” Bang added.

KASA's R&D budget for 2025 is a substantial 806 billion won ($562 million)—a 43 percent increase over 2024. This includes funding for a joint NASA project, the Lunar Space Environment Monitor (LUSEM), for the Intuitive Machines’ IM-3 mission.

The National Space Council, the highest decision-making body for South Korean space policy, announced plans for a new KASA headquarters in the Gyeongnam National Aerospace Industrial Complex (Sacheon) by 2030, along with a national aerospace hub.