KASA Announces 2025 Work Plan to Propel Korea as a Top 5 Aerospace Nation
Pursuing seven key initiatives to accelerate a private-sector-driven aerospace economy, proactively secure future technologies for global leadership, and foster an aerospace culture that is enjoyed and supported by the public.
The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), led by Administrator Yoon Youngbin, announced the 2025 work plan for KASA on January 21.
To propel Korea to become one of the five leading aerospace nations, KASA has identified three key policy directions: ‘accelerating a private-sector-driven aerospace economy’, ‘securing future technology leadership to lead globally’, and ‘cultivating aerospace culture that benefits and is supported by the people’. It plans to undertake seven core tasks to achieve these xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-objectives.
1. (policy) Laying the Foundation for Aerospace Innovation
KASA will revitalize aerospace policy governance by holding meetings of the National Space Committee and the Aerospace Development Policy Council on average once per quarter, and by establishing integrated and organic coordination measures among these bodies, it aims to solidify the basis for formulating aerospace policies.
KASA will establish a system for training and utilizing aerospace personnel and foster an aerospace culture that is embraced by all citizens. By designating Aerospace R&D Mission Center and enhancing the operation of the Future Space Education Center, KASA will create a system where talent development directly translates into employment.
On May 27 of this year, KASA will host the "1st Aerospace Day" to promote an aerospace culture that actively engages the public.
2. (industry) Establishing the Aerospace Economy Ecosystem
KASA will accelerate the private sector-led aerospace economy by expanding private sector leadership across all areas, including the development and utilization of launch vehicles and satellites, as well as future aircraft development. To strengthen industrial competitiveness, KASA will support the localization of key aerospace materials and parts.
Additionally, KASA will promote the vitalization of aerospace funds, regulatory reform, and the establishment of a startup ecosystem to foster the growth of aerospace companies and facilitate their expansion into global markets.
3. (transportation) Driving Transition to Private-Led Space Transportation
KASA will lay the foundation for private-led space transportation through the fourth launch of Nuri, which has been led by a private company for manufacturing (scheduled for the second half of 2025). To achieve the goal of drastically reducing launch costs by the mid-2030s, KASA will actively pursue the development of reusable launch vehicles.
Additionally, to diversify space transportation technologies and expand mission capabilities, KASA will initiate preliminary research and project planning for ‘orbital transfer vehicles’ and ‘atmospheric reentry technology’.
4. (satellite) Expanding Opportunities in the Space Industry Through the Development and Launch of Advanced Satellites
To achieve world-class satellite development and secure key technologies, KASA will launch Next-Generation Medium Satellite-3 and KOMPSAT-6 (the Multi-Purpose Satellites 6, 50cm-class SAR) and KOMPSAT-7 (the Multi-Purpose Satellites 7, 30cm-class optical) in the second half of 2025. Additionally, KASA will initiate the development of the Cheollian-5 (geostationary weather satellite) and low Earth orbit satellite communication technology for 6G technology verification. The exemption of the preliminary feasibility study for the development of Multi-Purpose Satellite-8 (next-generation SAR) will also be pursued.
To support private sector entry into the space industry, KASA will produce and distribute a satellite development manual in the first half of 2025. Furthermore, a roadmap for the development of verification satellites for space components and parts will be presented in August 2025, fostering private-led satellite development.
5. (space exploration) Korea-Led Global Space Science Exploration in Full Swing
In collaboration with NASA, Korea has co-developed SPHEREx space telescope and will demonstrate it in February 2025. This mission will be the world’s first capable of extensive space exploration, observation, and the creation of a 3D space map. Additionally, KASA will plan the world's first L4 Solar Space Observatory project, securing an opportunity to take the lead in space exploration.
Further strengthening international cooperation, Korea will begin lunar surface exploration by demonstrating the Lunar Space Environment Monitor (LUSEM) payload aboard a commercial lunar lander in partnership with NASA in September 2025. Moreover, KASA will accelerate the development of key technologies and a lunar lander for an independent lunar landing mission by 2032.
6. (aeronautics) Securing Strategic Aviation Technologies to Become a Leading Nation in aviation sector
KASA will establish a development plan for localizing aviation gas turbine engine technology, a high-value, high-impact advanced technology. The first test flight of a stratospheric long-endurance drone is scheduled for 4th quarter of 2025 to support the systematic growth of the drone industry and expand domestic industrial capabilities.
Additionally, KASA will plan and secure projects to diversify the core production items of the aviation industry into high-value-added materials and parts by leveraging domestic manufacturing capabilities.
7. (international) Leading and Diversifying International Cooperation to Support Global Expansion
KASA will co-host the 4th Korea-U.S. Civil Space Dialogue with the U.S. in the first half of 2025 to expand cooperation in the private space sector across policy, industry, and exploration with the U.S. administration. Additionally, KASA will diversify and expand international partnerships through events such as the Korea-France Space Forum (4th quarter of 2025) and the signing of a space cooperation MoU with India (2025), broadening collaboration to Europe, Japan, and the Middle East.
KASA will also pursue membership in the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) and create business opportunities for Korean companies to participate in its procurement process.
Yoon Youngbin, Administrator of KASA, emphasized, 'This year, competition among nations to secure leadership in aerospace will be fiercer than ever.' He added, 'KASA will consolidate national capabilities to seize opportunities in this era of space dominance and propel Korea toward becoming one of the world's top five aerospace powers, ultimately leading the global aerospace industry.