On the 16th, Administrator Yoon Young-bin of the Korea AeroSpace Administration said, "Since its launch, the Korea AeroSpace Administration has laid the groundwork to leap into the world's top five in space and aviation, and achieved meaningful results in areas such as budget expansion, talent development, and international cooperation."
Ahead of the National Assembly's Science. ICT. Broadcasting. and Communications Committee audit held at the Government Sejong Complex that day, the Administrator said in opening remarks, "Going forward, we will pursue the realization of a space and aviation powerhouse around seven key tasks, including securing sustainable space transportation capabilities, developing advanced satellites, deep space exploration, and developing future aircraft."
First, he explained, "On 4th we ran the first 'Space and Aviation Day' and 'Space and Aviation Week,' expanding public interest and participation." He added, "For the 2026 budget, we set it at 1.1131 trillion won based on the government proposal to implement state tasks systematically and strengthen strategic investment."
He introduced talent development results, saying, "Through the Future Space Education Center, we are producing master's and doctoral-level experts, and next year we plan to newly promote a program to attract outstanding overseas scientists."
The Administrator also mentioned achievements in strengthening international cooperation. He said, "The space telescope 'SPHEREx,' developed by NASA with Korea as the only international partner institution, was successfully launched in Mar.," adding, "Since then, through the Korea-U.S. Civil Space Dialogue, the signing of a memorandum of understanding for cooperation on an international radio telescope, and the signing of an MOU for an international space conference, we have broadened the basis for cooperation with major countries and emerging nations."
As for key directions going forward, he presented seven tasks. He said, "First, we will successfully carry out the fourth launch of Nuri to secure sustainable space transportation capabilities," and added, "Second, we will pursue the development of world-class advanced satellites and Korean navigation satellites."
He also said, "We will finalize Korea's space science exploration roadmap for a moon landing in 2032 and Mars exploration in 2045, and secure deep space communications capabilities," adding, "We will pioneer new air routes through development of future aircraft (AAV) and localization of drone parts."
The Administrator emphasized, "Using the fourth launch of Nuri as a momentum, we will spread a space and aviation culture that the public participates in and continuously foster core talent," and added, "By expanding the New Space fund and creating space industry clusters, we will also strengthen the startup ecosystem and industrial competitiveness."
Finally, he said, "We will elevate Korea's stature by deepening Korea-U.S. cooperation, including expanding participation in the Artemis program, and by expanding exchanges with the international community and emerging nations."