"Aerospace Agency Functions Must Be Further Strengthened" ... Gyeongnam Economic and Environmental Committee Urges Withdrawal of Basic Space Act

The Economic and Environmental Committee of the Gyeongnam Provincial Council has expressed concerns over the "Basic Space Act" proposed at the end of last month, emphasizing the need to strengthen the functions of the Sacheon Aerospace Agency.

The bill, proposed by National Assembly member Chung Dongyoung of the Democratic Party of Korea, centers on the establishment of a "Central Space Development Organization" under the Aerospace Agency.

On July 17, ten members of the Economic and Environmental Committee held a press conference in the provincial council press room, stating, "Separating the core functions of the Aerospace Agency, which has just passed its first anniversary, into a separate organization could weaken policy implementation, cause administrative inefficiency, and create internal confusion, ultimately hindering the integrated operation of the national space strategy."

Members of the Economic and Environmental Committee of the Gyeongnam Provincial Council are urging the strengthening of the Sacheon Aerospace Agency's functions and the withdrawal of the Basic Space Act. Photo by Lee Seryoung

They pointed out, "Although the bill aims to establish a Central Space Development Organization and assign core functions such as strategy collection, research and development, and industrial promotion to a separate body, much of this work overlaps significantly with the current responsibilities of the Aerospace Agency."

They also stated, "Functional and organizational overlap with existing laws such as the Space Development Promotion Act could undermine policy consistency and lead to inefficiency throughout the administrative system."

In addition, they said, "Separating the currently integrated space policy functions could result in redundant administration, inefficient allocation of resources, and conflicts between organizations. This runs counter to the new administration's vision of a pragmatic and unified government."

The council members emphasized, "What is needed now is not the creation of a new organization, but rather strengthening the control tower functions of the existing Aerospace Agency. To achieve the national goal of becoming one of the world's top five space powers, we must concentrate national capabilities around the Aerospace Agency."

They continued, "Strengthening the functions of the Aerospace Agency is the shortcut for Korea to become one of the world's top five space powers," and urged, "Withdraw the Basic Space Act."