806.4 billion to be spent on space research and development this year [Space Now]

Nuri is launching into space from the Naro Space Center. The fourth launch of Nuri is scheduled for the second half of this year. [Photo = Korea Aerospace Research Institute]



This year, the government will invest a total of 806.4 billion won in aerospace research and development (R&D) projects. It is expected to lead the country to become one of the top five aerospace powers.



The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) (Administrator Yoon Young-bin) announced on the 22nd that it has finalized the '2025 Korea Aerospace Research and Development Project Implementation Plan', which will invest a total of 806.4 billion won in 44 detailed projects, and will begin the project in earnest.



This year's Korea Aerospace Research Institute budget is 964.9 billion won, of which the amount excluding basic expenses, non-R&D, and security projects will be invested in aerospace R&D.



This implementation plan was established to finalize the overall direction of the Korea Aerospace Research and Development Project in 2025 and the implementation plans for each detailed project. It is the first time it has been prepared since the Korea Aerospace Research Institute was established in May 2024.



The budget for research and development in the aerospace sector is targeted, and the support budget has increased by KRW 243.7 billion from KRW 562.7 billion in 2024, an increase of about 43.3% from last year.



Currently, the global aerospace economy is growing rapidly due to the expansion of private sector participation that prioritizes technological innovation and cost reduction, and the emergence of new business models such as satellite internet, space resource mining, and eco-friendly urban air mobility.



With the opening of the Trump 2.0 era, the competition for aerospace hegemony between the US and China is intensifying. Under these circumstances, the R&D project implementation plan has been established for the purpose of achieving the national mission of making the aerospace industry a next-generation growth engine.



Aerospace Administration. [Photo = Aerospace Administration]



The plan is to diversify the portfolios of direct research institutes (KARI, KASI) and secure technological competitiveness by creating a research environment ecosystem centered on researchers, and strengthen the mission of direct research institutes. We



will intensively cultivate practical talent tailored to on-site demand and expand the aerospace culture based on the expansion and operation of citizen participation programs. We will establish a risk response system and advance technology to protect the people and national space assets from space disasters.



We will develop key technologies for launch vehicles, satellite bodies, and payloads centered on industries, promote system business linkage, and secure an industrial base so that private companies can participate in the increasing demand for satellite development. We will continue



to promote R&D to enhance the value of national satellite information utilization, such as strengthening the quality management system for satellite information and securing utilization technologies based on artificial intelligence. We will support the establishment of infrastructure and systems for space companies' innovative growth and entry into the global market. We will



enhance the reliability of our main launch vehicle through the promotion of the 4th launch of Nuriho. We will begin the basic design of next-generation launch vehicles for the expansion of space territory, such as large satellite launches and lunar landers, and promote development in earnest. We



will conduct preliminary research, conceptual design, and preliminary planning research by mission field to secure core technologies for private-led small launch vehicles and reusable launch vehicles to enhance space transportation competitiveness, such as reducing launch costs and increasing frequency .



We plan to develop world-class advanced satellites and secure core technologies to prepare for disasters and catastrophes. In order to support private-sector-led satellite development, we will ease entry barriers, expand space certification opportunities, and support the strengthening of industry capabilities. We plan to provide stable, ultra-precision PNT (Position, Navigation, Timing) information through the development of ultra-precision navigation satellites.



We plan to launch the Lunar Space Environment Monitor (LUSEM) for a private lunar lander in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). We will select the payload for the lunar lander that is under independent development.



We will actively pursue the domestic production of core technologies such as propulsion technology and navigation control for the lunar lander. We will participate in the international giant radio telescope construction project and establish a research and development system to secure observation data processing and analysis technology. We will expand participation in the Artemis program and promote policy cooperation with the new government to strengthen Korea-US cooperation.



We will actively support the development of drone communication technology, anti-illegal technology, and delivery technology. We will support the establishment of a national integrated disaster response system through the development of a solar-powered drone that can fly in the stratosphere for more than 30 days and provide real-time disaster images.



We plan to support the development of core materials and manufacturing technology for the development of domestic aircraft engines, and to promote the development of electric propulsion and parts process advancement projects to secure international competitiveness.



The Aerospace Administration announced the schedule for new projects and tasks based on the recently confirmed implementation plan on its website on the 22nd.





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