Space Aviation Agency Unveils Space Exploration Strategy Through 2045
Lunar Economic Infrastructure and Deep Space Missions Included in New Roadmap
The Space Aviation Agency has unveiled its space exploration strategy through 2045, which includes establishing space economy infrastructure on the Moon and positioning the Moon as the foundation of the space economic ecosystem.
On July 17, at the Daejeon office of the National Research Foundation of Korea, the agency held a public hearing on the "Korea Space Exploration Roadmap," where it presented the nation's vision and mid- to long-term strategy for space exploration up to 2045, including these initiatives.
This roadmap was developed based on the "4th Basic Plan for Space Development Promotion (December 2022)" and the "Space Science Exploration Promotion Strategy (February 2025)." With the goals of expanding the space economic territory and advancing human knowledge, it sets out five core objectives: exploring the origins and evolution of the solar system and the universe, driving scientific innovation, constructing bases on the Moon and Mars, utilizing space resources, and creating new industries. The roadmap also outlines the direction for future space exploration.
The agency divides exploration areas into Earth-Moon, heliosphere, and deep space, and categorizes them into five major programs: low-Earth orbit and microgravity exploration, lunar exploration, solar and space science exploration, planetary system exploration, and astrophysical exploration. For each program, it presents specific scientific and engineering missions.
In particular, for lunar exploration, the agency plans to develop independent lunar arrival and mobility technologies, utilize lunar resources, and build economic base infrastructure, aiming to make the Moon not just a target for scientific research but the foundation of the space economic ecosystem.
In the field of solar and space science, the agency also plans to develop a heliosphere observation probe to enhance understanding of the Sun and ensure safety in space exploration.
For planetary system exploration, the focus is on securing strategic technologies for deep space exploration by leveraging Korea's strengths. The roadmap also discusses advancing observation equipment for astrophysical exploration, as well as demonstrating future new industries in low-Earth orbit, such as space medicine and space agriculture.
More than 200 participants attended the public hearing, including Kang Kyungin, Director of the Space Science Exploration Division at the agency, as well as academics, researchers, industry experts, policymakers, and members of the general public interested in space exploration.
Yoon Youngbin, Commissioner of the Space Aviation Agency, stated, "We will revise and supplement this roadmap by incorporating the diverse opinions gathered at the public hearing, so that it can serve as a strategic foundation for Korea to become a global space power. The final roadmap will be confirmed and announced within this year after deliberation by the Space Development Promotion Working Committee."
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