South Korea keen to enter top five major space powers with reusable rockets, lunar landers

South Korea has approved an ambitious new set of space strategies aimed at propelling the country into the ranks of the world's top five space powers.

The Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) presented its strategic plans for space transportation, satellite technology, and space science exploration, with a vision to secure a leading position on the global space stage, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The plans were approved by the National Space Council on February 25, with a focus on key "flagship projects." These include the development of reusable launch vehicles, ultra-high-resolution satellites, and very-low Earth orbit (VLEO) satellites, all set to play a central role in KASA's future space endeavors. Additionally, the ambitious plans call for the creation of a space observatory to be placed at the Sun-Earth L4 Lagrange point—a region of space previously unexplored—and lunar landers.

This strategy forms part of South Korea's overarching goal to become one of the top five space powers by 2030, as outlined in the "Fourth Master Plan for Promotion of Space Development" (2023-2027). KASA is aligning its long-term objectives with the evolving dynamics of the global space sector, seeking to adapt to rapidly changing technological environments.

In a significant move, KASA will modify the country’s next-generation launch vehicle project, including alterations to the development of its KSLV-III rocket. Initially designed as an expendable vehicle, the KSLV-III will now be adapted for reusability by 2035. The decision to alter the course of this program reflects the changing landscape of both domestic and international space technologies.

The KSLV-II, an expendable rocket already developed by KASA, has been a cornerstone of South Korea's space achievements, and the agency is now focusing on advancing its larger, reusable counterpart. The move will require a review process and ministerial approval, which could lead to the selection of new contractors. In 2024, Hanwha Aerospace was chosen to lead the charge in this pivotal project.

By Khagan Isayev