Korea Aerospace Administration Discusses Implementation of 'Exploration Roadmap' with KARI and KASI Researchers

Commendations Awarded for Contributions to Space Science Exploration
Policy Direction for 2026 Shared

On January 28, the Korea Aerospace Administration visited the Korea Aerospace Research Institute and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute in succession, holding a roundtable with researchers in the field of space science exploration and listening to on-site opinions.

This roundtable was organized ahead of the implementation of the "Korea Space Science Exploration Roadmap," which was announced in November last year, in order to share policy directions and specify cooperation plans with researchers from the two core institutions, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute. The Korea Aerospace Administration intends to directly hear technical suggestions and institutional challenges raised in the field of research and development, and to reflect them in future policies.

Naro Space Center, Goheung County. Photo by Dongjoo Yoon doso7@

On this day, the Korea Aerospace Administration presented the Administrator's Commendation to researchers from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute who have achieved results in space science exploration fields such as lunar exploration and astronomical space observation, in recognition of their contributions to enhancing national space competitiveness and securing independent exploration capabilities.

During the subsequent roundtable, the policy direction for space science exploration in 2026 was shared, and discussions were held on the research infrastructure required for the roadmap's implementation, the division of roles between institutions, and measures to ensure continuity in mid- to long-term research. The Korea Aerospace Administration plans to develop specific policy and institutional support measures based on the outcomes of these discussions.

Kang Kyungin, Director of Space Science Exploration at the Korea Aerospace Administration, stated, "The Korea Aerospace Research Institute and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute are the core pillars of Korea's space science exploration. We will faithfully reflect the voices from the field in our policies and work together as 'one team' with these two institutions to accelerate Korea's advancement as a major space power."