The Korea AeroSpace Administration has prepared a government budget proposal for 2026 amounting to 1.1131 trillion won. This is a 15% increase from 2025, marking the beginning of an era with a budget of 1 trillion won for the space agency.
According to the Korea AeroSpace Administration on the 1st, this budget proposal focuses on securing strategic technologies in the fields of space launch vehicles, satellites, and aircraft, and developing foundational technologies for space exploration. Notably, strategic investments have been expanded to ensure that Korea can lead the new space era of private-led space development.
The budget proposal will focus on six major areas: strengthening space transportation capabilities, securing new technologies, innovating satellite-based communication, navigation, and observation, conducting challenging space exploration, securing future aviation technology and supply chain stability, creating a private-sector-centered industrial ecosystem, developing aerospace professionals, and fostering international cooperation.
Specifically, in the field of launch vehicles, the 5th launch of the Korean launch vehicle Nuri and development of next-generation launch vehicles will be pursued, and a new demonstration project for orbital transport vehicles will also begin. In the satellite sector, development of 10 cm class ultra-high-resolution satellite technology, 6G-based low-orbit satellite communications, and the Korean Positioning System (KPS) will continue. The development of lunar landers is being carried out as part of the second phase of lunar exploration, and challenging exploration projects, such as the demonstration of small unmanned manufacturing in space, will also be expanded.
In the field of future aviation technology, new technologies for future aircraft (AAV), key technologies for civil aircraft engines, and ultra-lightweight, high-strength materials will be developed. To strengthen responses to natural disasters and security, demonstrations of stratospheric drones will also begin.
To support private-led space development in the new space era, dedicated fund investments will be expanded to 100 billion won annually, and demonstration programs for space components, materials, payloads, and satellite services will be operated to support global expansion. New research and development (R&D) projects have also been organized for the training of aerospace personnel and international cooperation.
Yun Young-bin, head of the Korea AeroSpace Administration, said, "The 2026 budget proposal is the first to be prepared since its establishment, focusing on strategic technologies for space transportation, ultra-high-resolution satellites, and future aviation technology." He noted, "We will do our best in the National Assembly's review process to fulfill the new government's national tasks and advance into a powerhouse in aerospace."