KASA’s Policy Directionsfor Korea to Emerge as One of the World’s Top 5 Aerospace Powerhouses
Space ExplorationExpanding exploration beyond the moon to Mars and deep space
Expand Korea’s space economy territory through deep space exploration and manned exploration activities based on international cooperation, as the scope of human activities expands into space
Establish a space exploration roadmap and promote frontier projects
Space exploration roadmap : Establish and announce the Korea Space Exploration Roadmap to systematically pursue space exploration, including the moon and Mars (2024, introduced as an agenda item for the National Space Council)
L4 solar observation : Develop the L4, a solar observation probe, targeting the Lagrange point through international cooperation
Establish a bridgehead for scientific missions through lunar observation and exploration
Utilize Danuri’s achievements : Observe the magnetic field, elements, and resources of the moon through the achievement utilization project (2023 to 2026) to create a lunar environment map and discover lunar landing sites
Lunar lander : Launch a lunar lander using an advanced launch vehicle (2032) and perform exploration missions such as analysis of the lunar surface environment and resource extraction
Moon base : Build a lunar base through international cooperation to carry out continuous scientific missions such as utilization of lunar resources, construction of a space laboratory, and deep space exploration (until the 2040s)
Expand Korea’s space horizons into deep space
Preparation for exploration : Formulate strategies for discovering Mars exploration mission and developing related technologies and conduct preliminary study (from 2H 2024)
Mars probe (orbit/landing) : Develop an orbiter (by 2035) to secure Earth-Mars communication technology and enter Mars’ orbit for atmospheric composition and topography observation
Exploit space resources through asteroid exploration
Preparation for exploration : Select a target asteroid to assess the feasibility and scientific and technological viability of asteroid exploration and initiate a preliminary study to build strategies and mission designing (from 2H 2024)
Development of probes : Develop probes and payloads for verification of space navigation and control technologies and payload technologies for science missions
Prepare for a manned space program
Stage 1 : Review the second astronaut training project based on international cooperation (residence module and training)
Stage 2 : Establish manned space program strategies in the form of basic training (domestic) and advanced training (overseas) in conjunction with the lunar base acquisition plan