Establishment of Space Aviation Agency Gains Momentum... Joint Task Force Launched by 7 Ministries

Starting Activities from the 28th

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] President Yoon Suk-yeol's campaign promise to establish the Korea Space and Aeronautics Administration (K-SAA) earlier this year is now being put into full motion.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 28th that it has formed the K-SAA Establishment Promotion Team to carry out the establishment tasks of the agency and has begun full-scale operations. Previously, in September, the ministry formed the "K-SAA Establishment Promotion Team Preparation TF" to prepare for the organization of the promotion team and the enactment of installation ordinances. With the presidential decree issued on this day, the establishment of the K-SAA has officially commenced.

The K-SAA will be composed of experts to maintain continuity in existing space and aeronautics technology development while strengthening specialization. A system will be established to allow flexible operation based on programs according to missions, presenting a "model for future-oriented public service organizations."

To this end, the promotion team will include seven related ministries and agencies besides the Ministry of Science and ICT, such as the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Government Legislation, Ministry of Personnel Management, Ministry of National Defense, and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. It will operate with three departments: ▲ the Strategic Planning Team to develop the K-SAA’s missions and strategies, ▲ the Institutional Planning Team to prepare laws and systems, and ▲ the Operational Support Base Team responsible for facilities, finances, and other general matters.

Additionally, an advisory group composed of experts from industry, academia, and research in various fields such as space policy, technology development, technology commercialization, and legislation will be formed.

Oh Tae-seok, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, “Korea has demonstrated its capabilities through long-term space development efforts, recently succeeding in launching the Nuri rocket and lunar probe. Now is the time to establish a national space and aeronautics governance system suitable for the new space era, supported by policy and institutional frameworks.” He added, “By swiftly promoting the establishment of the K-SAA centered on the promotion team in cooperation with related ministries, we will lay the foundation for Korea to leap forward as a space power.”