South Korea unveils space industry strategy: lunar lander by 2030, low-orbit satellite network

South Korea has drawn up a core strategy to develop its aerospace industry into a future growth engine, with plans to build a Korean-style low-earth-orbit satellite communications network, launch a small lunar lander through a public-private partnership by 2030, and foster an aerospace belt along the country's southern coast.

The Korea AeroSpace Administration said Friday that the 5th National Space Council, held the same day, deliberated and approved the "South Korea Aerospace Industry Development Strategy," aimed at nurturing the sector as a future growth engine led by businesses and regions.

The National Space Council is the country's top governance body for space development, established under the Space Development Promotion Act. It reviews major matters related to space development and coordinates pan-government space development policy and projects. The council was elevated to a presidential advisory body in May 2024, when the Korea AeroSpace Administration — the dedicated national agency for the aerospace sector — was launched.

In the New Space era, the aerospace industry is expected to see strong growth as a future economic driver, and, as seen in the cases of major global companies, it has established itself as a full-fledged industry that goes beyond exploration.

Under the new strategy, the government will shift its role from a "developer" that directly carries out space development to a "supporter" that backs private companies. Four strategic directions were set: shifting from research and development to demand creation; expanding scope from systems to components, materials, parts and applications; broadening participation by promoting civil-military cooperation and entry from other industries; and leading the future through preemptive preparation.

To realize these goals, the strategy presents key policies and projects including building a Korean-style low-earth-orbit satellite communications network, launching a public-private lunar lander by 2030, conducting repeat launches of the Nuri rocket and developing a reusable launch vehicle, developing an electric-turbine hybrid vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and establishing an "aerospace hub" centered on Sacheon, the city where the Korea AeroSpace Administration is located.

"Now that the strategy has been confirmed at the National Space Council, we will push ahead with related policies at pace," Korea AeroSpace Administration chief Oh Tae-seok said. "We will support the aerospace industry so that it grows into a core engine of South Korea's economy, centered on the southern coastal belt."