[2025 Audit] Yoon Youngbin: "Pushing for Success in the 4th Nuri Launch... Unveiling Moon and Mars Exploration Roadmap"

Announcement of Seven Key Focus Areas at National Assembly Audit
First Audit Since Launch of Aerospace Administration Disrupted, Leaving Disappointment

Yoon Youngbin, Administrator of the Space Aviation Administration, stated, "We will ensure the successful launch of the fourth Nuri rocket mission scheduled for November 27."

In his greeting at the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee's audit on the 16th, Administrator Yoon said, "Since its establishment in May last year, the Space Aviation Administration has steadily laid the foundation to become one of the world's top five space and aviation powers."

Yoon Youngbin, Administrator of the Space Aviation Administration, is delivering a greeting at the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee's audit of the Space Aviation Administration on the 16th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

This audit marks the first comprehensive review of the Space Aviation Administration since its official launch, with a focus on its achievements over the past year and a half and its future plans.

Administrator Yoon highlighted accomplishments in areas such as budget expansion, talent development, and international cooperation, and presented seven key directions for future initiatives.

First, he announced plans to successfully carry out the fourth Nuri rocket launch to secure sustainable space transportation capabilities. He also said that the development of a Korean navigation satellite would be accelerated to provide ultra-precise Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services, and that the "Space Science Exploration Roadmap" would be finalized, targeting a lunar landing in 2032 and a Mars exploration mission in 2045.

Additionally, he outlined major tasks including: fostering self-reliance in the aviation industry through the development of future aircraft (AAVs) and the localization of drone components and airframes; cultivating core talent to lead space and aviation research and industrial growth; expanding the "New Space Fund" to support startups; and strengthening Korea-U.S. cooperation through participation in the Artemis program.

Administrator Yoon further noted, "We have achieved international cooperation milestones such as the successful launch of the SPHEREx space telescope in collaboration with NASA, the fourth Korea-U.S. Civil Space Dialogue, and the signing of MOUs for cooperation with five countries at the International Astronautical Congress. We will continue to expand exchanges with the international community and emerging nations to elevate Korea's status in space."

He added, "The Space Aviation Administration will systematically implement the new government's national agenda and expand strategic investments to become a leading space and aviation power. Taking this audit as an opportunity, we will pursue policies that meet the expectations of the public."

Meanwhile, the audit session by the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee faced disruption just 30 minutes after it began due to a clash between ruling and opposition party lawmakers. A heated debate erupted over abusive text messages exchanged the previous day between Park Junghoon of the People Power Party and Kim Wooyoung of the Democratic Party of Korea, resulting in the meeting being switched to a closed session. However, as the internal situation of the meeting was spread in real time via social media, it sparked controversy over a so-called "gossip live broadcast." The first audit of the Space Aviation Administration was effectively suspended, leaving much to be desired.