Sacheon, South Korea – In a landmark move, the National Assembly of South Korea has passed a special law establishing the nation’s own space agency, an equivalent to the United States’ NASA. This decisive step marks South Korea’s ambitious leap into space exploration and aerospace development.
The ‘Special Act on the Establishment and Operation of the Korea Aerospace Administration’ received overwhelming support in the assembly, with 263 out of 266 present members voting in favor. This decision, coming nine months after its initial proposal, paves the way for the agency’s operation within four months post-law promulgation. The space agency is set to launch as early as May or June, with its headquarters based in Sacheon, Gyeongsangnam-do.
Under the Ministry of Science and ICT, the new space agency’s structure includes a director-general, a deputy director-general, and various department heads. Core responsibilities encompass cross-ministerial policy-making, industrial development, talent nurturing, and international collaboration in aerospace.
Notably, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) will be integrated into the new agency. It will also oversee a workforce expansion plan, starting with 300 members and gradually increasing through strategic recruitment.
The agency’s operational framework emphasizes on policy-making in space and aviation, industry cultivation, talent development, and global partnerships. Subdivisions will focus on international cooperation, mission management, launch vehicles, satellites, space science/exploration, and advanced aviation.
The Ministry of Science and ICT has outlined detailed operational units including 18 mission centers that will maintain their existing affiliations while functioning under the new agency’s directive. This model aims to streamline South Korea’s aerospace endeavors under a unified command.
With an initial budget projection of 720 billion won, the agency faces the task of securing additional funding to accommodate an expanded scope of operations and organizational growth. The development of the agency’s main and temporary premises in Gyeongsangnam-do is also underway, requiring coordination with local authorities.
Gyeongsangnam-do is not only hosting the agency’s headquarters but is also initiating the construction of a ‘Space-Aerospace Complex City.’ This ambitious project aims to transform the region into a global hub for the aerospace industry, leveraging local expertise and infrastructure.
Gyeongsangnam-do, already home to 70% of South Korea’s aerospace industry, including key players like Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hanwha Aerospace, is poised to play a pivotal role in national and international aerospace developments.
As the agency takes shape, there are ongoing discussions on subordinate legislation and project transfers from various departments. There are concerns regarding the recruitment of experts, especially since the special law lacks provisions for improving the living conditions of incoming professionals.
Despite these challenges, the establishment of South Korea’s own ‘NASA’ represents a significant stride in the nation’s aerospace ambitions. It not only fortifies South Korea’s position in the global aerospace industry but also sets the stage for groundbreaking advancements and international collaborations in space exploration.
