Space aviation agency bill gets subcommittee nod

Jang Je-won, chairman of the National Assembly’s Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee taps on his gavel as a special bill aimed at establishing an independent space and aerospace agency was passed the committee on Monday. (Yonhap)

A special bill aimed at establishing an independent space and aerospace agency is set for a vote in the National Assembly on Tuesday after receiving approval at the committee stage Monday.

The National Assembly’s Science, ICT, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee has approved the bill necessary for the government to establish a new space agency, tentatively named the Korea Aerospace Administration. If approved by the Assembly, the new agency will function as the Korean counterpart to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in the US, according to officials.

The envisioned agency could officially launch as early as May under the Ministry of Science and ICT, they added.

Under the bill, the ministry is expected to lead the country’s space program, aeronautics research, and space research, including exploration projects to the moon and Mars.

The proposal was initially made as part of the Yoon Suk Yeol government’s long-term plan to seek growth momentum for the country's space industry.

Although the Cabinet approved the bill in April 2023, it remained pending due to disagreements between the ruling and opposition parties.

By Lee Jung-joo(lee.jungjoo@heraldcorp.com)