The government is starting the process to build a second space center for operating reusable launch vehicles.
Korea AeroSpace Administration said on the 21st that it will invite site proposals from local governments nationwide to build the second space center.
The second space center is a facility to be established to operate reusable launch vehicles more than 10 times a year in the mid-to-late 2030s. Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) plans to build launch, landing, and maintenance facilities for reusable launch vehicles by 2034 on a site of about 1.7 million pyeong, similar in size to the current Naro Space Center. It will support multiple launches of next-generation reusable launch vehicles and various private launch vehicles.
According to Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), major space powers such as the United States (Kennedy, Vandenberg, etc.) and Europe (Guiana, Andoya, etc.) operate multiple launch sites to secure flexibility in launch schedules and industrial competitiveness. However, Korea relies on a single site, the Naro Space Center, which limits the diversification of space transportation capabilities through support for private small and solid launch demand.
Local governments seeking to host the second space center can participate in the call for proposals through Aug. 6. Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) will receive hosting plans from local governments, conduct a review, and announce the final selection in October. It then aims to apply in November for a review of the build-type research and development (R&D) project.
Oh Tae-seok, administrator of Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), said, "The second space center is a core piece of infrastructure for a qualitative leap in Korea's space industry," and added, "Based on active participation and cooperation from local communities, we will create a new launch hub where the space industry can grow to its full potential."