KASA’s Policy Directionsfor Korea to Emerge as One of the World’s Top 5 Aerospace Powerhouses
Space TransportationEntering the new space launch service market
Develop space transportation technology, launch pads, and manufacturing capabilities as core foundations to facilitate transportation between the Earth and space in the space economy era
Provide more opportunities to access space with repeated launches of Nuri
4th to 6th launches of Nuri : Prepare for successful 4th (2025), 5th (2026), and 6th (2027) launches (gradual expansion of the role of system integration companies) in order to prove the reliability of Korea Space Launch Vehicle-II (KSLV-II or Nuri)
Performance improvement : Supervise system integration companies (with the support of Korea Aerospace Research Institute) to improve the satellite loading capacity and economic feasibility in response to the diversification of Nuri’s missions and the growing satellite demand
Develop an advanced launch vehicle for space exploration
Advancement of launch vehicles : Pursue the development of an advanced launch vehicle that is more advanced and larger than Nuri to carry out national space development missions such as launching large satellites and lunar landers
Develop a reusable launch vehicle to significantly reduce launch costs
Development of a reusable launch vehicle system : Acquire the technologies necessary for reusing launch vehicles, which will be key to enhancing launch efficiency and cost competitiveness (with the goal of a low-orbit launch of a 500kg-class satellite)
Expand the launch site infrastructure to establish a spaceport
Advancement of the Naro Space Center : Introduce advanced equipment and facilities at the Naro Space Center to accommodate various launch vehicle demands (with planning set for 2H of 2024)
Civilian rocket launch site : Establish infrastructure to support the launch of small launch vehicles under development by domestic private companies with priority
Second Space Center : Build a second space center to address limitations such as launch direction constraints and meet the demand for launch sites (with planning set for 2H 2024)
Improve the system for systematic launch management
Establishment of standard procedures : Develop an improvement plan for standardized launch permit procedures to enhance national-level launch management such as ensuring public safety, fulfilling international responsibilities, and supporting launch activities (planned for 2H 2024)
Licensing system : Introduce a mid- to long-term launch licensing system to ensure efficient execution for periodic and repetitive launches (planned for 2H 2024)
Enhancement of test flight safety : Introduce a prior report and preliminary evaluation system to ensure the safety of launch vehicles (with altitudes below 100km) that are not subject to approval (2025)