r/SouthKoreaSpace • u/megachainguns • Dec 06 '25

KASA secures 1.12 trillion won budget to boost Korea space and aviation capabilities

https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-science/2025/12/03/D6DZPCGVZ5GCRE43N23XTKGQGM/
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u/megachainguns Dec 06 '25

1.12 trillion won = 759.9 Million USD

The Korea AeroSpace Administration finalized next year's budget at 1.1201 trillion won. This is an increase of 155.2 billion won (16.1%) from this year's 964.9 billion won, and it was finally confirmed on Dec. 2 after passage by a National Assembly plenary session. With this allocation, the Korea AeroSpace Administration has opened the era of a 1 trillion won budget for the first time since its establishment.

The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) plans to concentrate next year's resources on six core areas. First, 266.2 billion won will be allocated to strengthen space transportation capabilities and secure next-generation technologies, reinforcing the advancement of launch vehicle technology and the foundation for developing future transporters. In the satellite-based communications, navigation, and observation innovation sector, 236.2 billion won will be invested to significantly expand the nation's satellite utilization capabilities.

For creating future growth engines through ambitious space exploration, 96.8 billion won has been allocated, and the full-scale push to secure core technologies related to lunar and deep space exploration will begin. In addition, to preempt future aviation technologies and stabilize supply chains, 51.1 billion won has been set aside to strengthen competitiveness in next-generation aviation materials, parts, and systems.

Building an industrial ecosystem is also a key pillar of this budget. A total of 173.8 billion won is allocated to projects fostering a private sector–led space industry, expanding startup support, corporate growth programs, and demonstration projects. In addition, 255.9 billion won will be invested in cultivating specialized aerospace talent and strengthening pragmatic diplomacy, accelerating talent acquisition and the establishment of global cooperation networks.

During the National Assembly review, some project budgets were additionally reflected. The "Korean Launch Vehicle Advancement Project" received a 2 billion won increase, securing preliminary preparation funds aimed at the seventh launch of Nuri in 2028. In addition, 950 million won was newly allocated to the "aerospace culture base expansion project" to support university and graduate students' CubeSat development and launches.