Yoon Young-bin, Administrator of the Korea AeroSpace Administration, defined 2026 as the year to begin full-scale execution to leap to become one of the "five leading aerospace nations," and presented as key New Year tasks refining integrated space and aviation governance, expanding a private-led industrial ecosystem, a leap in space transportation, satellites, and exploration, and securing next-generation aviation technologies. In particular, the plan is to raise commercial launch and exploration capabilities through the fifth launch of Nuri, the establishment of a repeat launch system, and the phased buildout of lunar communications infrastructure.
Administrator Yoon, in a New Year's message distributed on the 31st, cited as last year's achievements the expansion of private use of public space technologies through the fourth launch of Nuri and the launches of Next-generation Medium Satellite 3 and Multipurpose Practical Satellite 7, noting, "We confirmed the competitiveness of our satellite technology." He also mentioned as achievements the holding of the first Space and Aviation Day and support for domestic corporations' overseas expansion through expanded international cooperation.
Administrator Yoon said, "2026 is the time when the policies and strategies we have prepared must be linked to execution and results," emphasizing, "We will implement the space and aviation ecosystem as a structure in which technology, industry, talent, and international cooperation interlock and operate."
First, the space and aviation policy and governance framework will be overhauled. Administrator Yoon said he will expand and reorganize the National Space Committee into the National Space and Aviation Committee to prepare an integrated promotion system encompassing space and aviation, and will flesh out an industrial promotion strategy to foster the space and aviation industry as a national growth engine. Along with expanding training for field-ready talent tailored to on-site demand, he said space situational awareness capabilities to preemptively respond to space risks will also be strengthened in stages.
Second, expansion of a private-led industrial ecosystem was put forward. The plan is to increase the use of private products and services in public space development projects and support the creation of new market demand through the use of satellite information and demonstrations of artificial intelligence (AI)-based services. In aviation, he said they will push to enter the global aircraft manufacturing market by leveraging participation in international joint development of commercial aircraft, and will pursue balanced growth by preparing an industrial base that reflects regional characteristics and strengths.
In space transportation, satellites, and exploration, the fifth launch of Nuri will be used to raise launcher reliability and lay the groundwork for a shift to commercial launches by establishing a repeat launch system. At the same time, preparations will be made to develop a reusable launch vehicle and an orbital transport vehicle, while continuing advanced satellite launches and securing key technologies. In exploration, the plan is to build lunar communications infrastructure in stages and establish a framework for international cooperation to broaden the scope of space exploration.
Securing next-generation aviation technologies was also presented as a key task. Administrator Yoon said core technologies will be accumulated around drones, future aircraft, aircraft engines, and materials, parts, and equipment, and that they will preemptively respond to the aviation industry's transition toward eco-friendliness and intelligence. He added that social contribution activities for co-prosperity with local communities and sustainable development will continue.
At the end of the New Year's message, Administrator Yoon added, "We will each fulfill our responsibilities in our respective positions and move toward the goal of becoming one of the 'five leading aerospace nations' through cooperation and communication," and, "I hope this will be a year in which we run toward new possibilities in the face of any adversity."