President Lee: "We Will Scale Up Aerospace for the Nation's Destiny"... South Coast Industry Belt as a Key Hub

Attending the 5th National Space Committee Meeting in Jinju, Gyeongnam

"Space is the Cornerstone of Security and a Future Growth Engine"

"Aerospace Undergoing a Major Transformation into a Massive Industry"

Government to Complete Low-Earth Orbit Satellite Network by 2035... Small Lunar Lander Planned for 2030

On July 3, President Lee Jae-myung stated, "We will make a firm commitment to scaling up the aerospace industry, which will serve as the cornerstone of national security and as a new growth engine vital to the nation's destiny." He outlined his vision to foster aerospace as a national strategic industry that transcends simple research and development, encompassing security, industry, and balanced regional development.

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the 5th National Space Committee held in Jinju, Gyeongnam on the 3rd. July 3, 2026 [Photo by Cheongwadae Press Photographers Team] Yonhap News Agency

That afternoon in Jinju, Gyeongnam, President Lee presided over the 5th National Space Committee meeting, held under the slogan "Territorial Expansion Beyond the Korean Peninsula: The South Coast Aerospace Industry Belt Leads the Way." He remarked, "The global competition for technological supremacy is extending beyond the earth to space."

President Lee likened outer space to the seas during the Age of Discovery. He said, "Much like the oceans in the Age of Discovery, space has become a new and limitless arena of opportunity for all countries equipped with advanced technology and industrial capabilities. The aerospace sector is undergoing a major transformation, shifting from a field led by state-driven research and exploration to a massive industrial domain propelled by capital and markets."

He further emphasized, "To propel Korea forward as a powerhouse in ultra-gap industries, we must concentrate our investments and nurturing efforts in the aerospace sector. Our nation's technological prowess has already been proven. The hard-earned achievements of our researchers must now lead to enhanced industrial competitiveness."

In particular, President Lee presented the South Coast Aerospace Industry Belt as a key hub. He said, "I believe the South Coast Aerospace Industry Belt can spearhead Korea's leap forward as a global space power, and the government will provide resolute support." He added, "We will spare no effort to support innovative companies and scientists and engineers so that they can take on bold and creative challenges."

On this day, the government reported its strategy for fostering the aerospace industry. Tae seog Oh, Administrator of the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), announced plans to complete a Korean low-Earth orbit satellite communication network by 2035. This low-Earth orbit satellite communication network was presented as a core infrastructure to safeguard national security and communication sovereignty, as well as a strategic asset underpinning the 6G era and the future space economy. Additionally, the government, led by the Ministry of Science and ICT, plans to consolidate private sector capabilities to devise detailed strategies for the construction and operation of the satellite network. The vision is to develop the low-Earth orbit communication network not merely as a communication service, but as a data infrastructure for security, disaster response, and industrial applications.

The government also plans to accelerate its lunar exploration program. Beginning with the launch of a lunar orbit communication satellite in 2029, the government aims to establish the foundation for lunar exploration in stages. Furthermore, it has decided to send a small lunar lander based on the Nuri launch vehicle in 2030, ahead of the originally planned 2032 lunar landing using the next-generation launch vehicle. Administrator Oh reported, "Lunar landing remains a field that requires the highest level of technology. We will accumulate technology step by step each year to lay the groundwork for Korea's participation in the future space economy."

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the 5th National Space Committee held in Jinju, Gyeongnam on July 3, 2026. 2026.7.3 [Photo by the Blue House Press Photographers Group] Yonhap News

In the area of launch vehicles, the government will enhance reliability through repeated launches of the Nuri rocket, and in principle, domestically developed satellites will be launched using domestic launch vehicles. The government also plans to secure reusable technology for next-generation launch vehicles to lower launch costs, and to support private sector development of small- and medium-sized launch vehicles to expand the ecosystem for commercial launch services.

The strategy also includes plans for the aviation industry. In response to the global aviation industry's shift toward AI and eco-friendly technologies, the government aims to develop a hybrid vertical take-off and landing aircraft by 2030 and actively participate in the joint development of next-generation civil aircraft. The goal is to advance beyond an industry centered on parts supply and emerge as a developer of future aviation platforms.

Meanwhile, the government plans to transform Sacheon, the home of KASA, into an aerospace hub by bringing together public-private joint research institutes and core infrastructure for space exploration. Additionally, it will establish the South Coast Aerospace Industry Belt connecting Changwon, Sacheon, Jinju, Suncheon, and Goheung. KASA will also streamline its organizational structure and strengthen its role as an industry development platform.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.