KASA begins working towards bold vision for space exploration

[Photo by Lee Seung-hwan]

South Korea has unveiled an ambitious blueprint for its newly established Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), aiming to elevate the nation into the ranks of the world’s top five space powers. KASA, which will serve as the national command center for space and aviation, outlined its vision to enhance space transportation technology and nurture private rocket companies capable of rivaling those sucj as SpaceX.

The agency’s primary goal is to secure reusable rocket technology, a key factor in achieving launch efficiency and cost competitiveness. KASA also plans to embark on extensive space exploration missions beyond the Moon, sending a Mars orbiter by 2035, a Mars lander by 2045, and explore the Lagrange point (L4), a region in space where the gravitational forces of the Earth and Sun are in equilibrium.

KASA Administrator Yoon Young-bin revealed these plans during the inaugural National Space Committee meeting held at the agency’s temporary headquarters in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province.

“Our vision aims to follow the miracles on the Han River and the semiconductor industry with a new miracle in space,” Yoon said. The plan includes seven key strategies across four major space technology areas and three foundational sectors.

One of the major initiatives is to develop reusable rockets capable of placing 500-kilogram satellites into low Earth orbit. KASA plans to achieve this by improving its existing Nuri rocket, with upcoming launches and performance enhancements planned. Yoon emphasized the need to lower the costs associated with the Nuri rocket to make it more commercially viable. KASA also intends to establish a launch infrastructure by developing a private rocket launch site and a second space center.

In the exploration field, KASA aims to expand its reach to Mars and deep space. The agency is committed to the scheduled 2032 lunar lander mission and is planning Mars exploration missions, beginning with a Mars orbiter in 2035 and a Mars lander in 2045. The agency is also focusing on exploring the Lagrange point L4 and KASA head of space missions John Lee is actively pursuing this exploration.

In the satellite sector, KASA plans to develop high-resolution satellites with 15-centimeter precision and secure key technologies for future satellite applications, such as space optical communication. In the advanced aviation space, KASA aims to secure a leadership position via hybrid advanced air mobility (AAM) and the development of advanced aviation engines to promote civil-military cooperation and international joint development.