[Reading Science] SpaceX 'Shock?'... Government Steps on the Accelerator for Reusable Launch Vehicle Development

Space Agency Accelerates Preliminary Research on Reusable Launch Vehicles
Bang Hyo-chung, Vice Chairman of the National Space Council: "Actively Advancing Discussions on Reusable Launch Vehicles"

Bang Hyochung, Vice Chairman of the Private Sector of the National Space Committee, is speaking at the 2nd meeting held on the 29th of last month. Photo by Space Aviation Agency

Perhaps inspired by the return of the ‘Super Heavy’ rocket unveiled by the American space company SpaceX, our government has also embarked on full-scale efforts to research reusable launch vehicles and formulate a comprehensive space strategy.

On the 29th of last month, the Korea Space Agency held a public hearing with domestic private space launch vehicle companies at the Korea Space Agency building in Sacheon, Gyeongnam, regarding the ‘Innovative Reusable Launch Vehicle Core Technology Preliminary Research Project,’ which will be fully launched starting next year.

Attendees at the hearing included officials from the Korea Space Agency, Korea Aerospace Research Institute, Hanwha Aerospace, Korea Aerospace Industries, Innospace, and Perigee Aerospace, who exchanged opinions on the preliminary research for innovative reusable launch vehicles. The Korea Space Agency plans to select four companies by the end of next year and proceed with the first phase of the project competitively from 2026.

On the same day in Seoul, the 2nd National Space Committee meeting was held. The chairperson of the National Space Committee is the President. Following the inaugural meeting attended by President Yoon Suk-yeol during the Korea Space Agency’s opening ceremony in May, the second meeting saw Professor Bang Hyo-chung of KAIST elected as the civilian vice-chairperson through a secret ballot. Filling the vacant vice-chairperson position after five months has paved the way for the committee’s active operation.

During the meeting, under Vice-Chairperson Bang’s leadership, two mid- to long-term plans?the 3rd Comprehensive Plan for Satellite Information Utilization and the 2nd Basic Plan for Space Risk Preparedness?were reviewed and approved.

In a phone interview with Asia Economy, Vice-Chairperson Bang said, “With SpaceX’s success in reusing the Super Heavy rocket, interest from various sectors in our space technology level has increased significantly. Now that the National Space Committee, the highest decision-making body, has been expanded and reorganized, we will hold frequent meetings to gather constructive opinions on major national space policies and serve as a bridge to secure the views of stakeholders.”

Vice-Chairperson Bang also explained, “Discussions on reusable launch vehicle technology will be actively pursued.” The Korea Space Agency plans to prepare a space development roadmap and report it at the anticipated 3rd National Space Committee meeting later this year.