"Repeat Launches of Nuri and Expansion of Private-Led Ecosystem...
Building a Virtuous Cycle of Technology, Industry, and Talent"
Yoon Youngbin, Administrator of the Space Agency, stated in his New Year's address released on December 31, "2026 will be the year when the policies and strategies we have prepared are translated into action and results, marking the beginning of full-scale implementation toward becoming one of the world's top five aerospace powers."
Administrator Yoon cited the successful fourth launch of the Nuri rocket as the most significant achievement of the past year. He remarked, "The fourth launch of Nuri marked a turning point as public sector-led space technology expanded into the private sector and began to be actively utilized." He went on to say that with the launches of the third Next-Generation Medium Satellite and the seventh Multipurpose Practical Satellite, "we have confirmed that our satellite technology has reached the highest global standards."
He also highlighted the hosting of the first National Aerospace Day with public participation and the expansion of international cooperation to support domestic companies’ overseas advancement as key achievements. Administrator Yoon defined 2026 as the year to establish an aerospace ecosystem where technology, industry, talent, and international cooperation operate organically. To this end, he announced plans to expand and reorganize the National Space Committee into the National Space and Aviation Committee, establishing an integrated implementation system encompassing both space and aviation, and to further develop industrial strategies to foster the aerospace industry as a core national growth engine.
The expansion of a private sector-led industrial ecosystem was also presented as a key task. He stated, "We will actively utilize private products and services in public space development projects and create new industrial demand by demonstrating satellite information utilization and AI-based services." In the aviation sector, he added that Korea will pursue entry into the global aircraft manufacturing market through participation in international joint development of civil aircraft, and promote balanced growth by establishing industrial bases that reflect regional characteristics.
In the fields of space transportation, satellites, and exploration, the plan is to enhance launch vehicle reliability through the fifth launch of Nuri, establish a repeatable launch system, and lay the foundation for transitioning to commercial launches. The development of reusable launch vehicles and orbital transfer vehicles will be prepared as mid- to long-term projects, while the acquisition of advanced satellites and core technologies will continue. Additionally, he announced plans to gradually build lunar communication infrastructure and expand the scope of space exploration through international cooperation.
Securing next-generation aviation technology was also presented as a major task. Administrator Yoon emphasized the accumulation of core technologies focused on drones, future aircraft, aircraft engines, and materials, parts, and equipment, and stressed the importance of proactively responding to the global aviation industry’s shift toward eco-friendliness and intelligence. He also announced plans to promote sustainable development through social contribution activities in cooperation with local communities.
Administrator Yoon said, "Let us each fulfill our responsibilities in our respective positions and move toward our shared goal of becoming one of the world's top five aerospace powers through cooperation and communication," adding, "In 2026, the Year of the Red Horse, I hope we will charge forward toward new possibilities, no matter what adversity we may face."
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