2024-12-14
The South Gyeongsang Provincial Government celebrates the National Assembly's passage of a special law to establish the Korea Aerospace Administration.
Korea is poised to make significant strides in space exploration with the imminent launch of the Korea Space Administration (KASA) in May. The establishment of KASA, facilitated by a special act passed at the National Assembly on January 9th, marks a pivotal moment for Korea's space aspirations, aiming to position the nation as a key player in the global space arena.
Set to oversee all aspects of space activities, including vision-setting, technology development, and international collaboration, KASA is anticipated to play a crucial role in driving Korea's emergence as a prominent space power, as noted by industry insiders and experts.
Experts emphasize the importance of aligning space development with related industries to bolster the national economy, underscoring one of KASA's primary objectives. However, challenges loom, particularly concerning workforce recruitment, with Sacheon's remote location posing difficulties in attracting skilled personnel to the aerospace sector.
Despite these challenges, KASA's mandate to coordinate Korea's space industry and technology development, alongside fostering intergovernmental and international cooperation, holds promise for the nation's space endeavors.
The government's commitment to KASA's success is evident, with plans to foster job creation and company growth in the space industry by 2045, alongside substantial investments to capture a significant share of the global space market.
Scheduled to launch on May 27th or no later than May 29th, KASA's budget for the year is estimated at around 800 billion won ($600 million), with the agency head to be appointed by President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Kang Goo-young, CEO of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), hailed the establishment of KASA as a vital step toward advancing Korea's aerospace industry, emphasizing the agency's role as a catalyst for private sector-led innovation.
As KASA prepares for its inauguration, securing a skilled workforce remains a pressing concern. The government's efforts to address this challenge include engaging in discussions with local authorities to support housing and transportation needs for personnel.
Looking ahead, KASA's collaboration with global space agencies, particularly NASA, is poised to enhance Korea's presence in space exploration. Prospects for long-term cooperation on initiatives such as the Artemis moon exploration program signal a promising future for Korea's space ambitions.
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