Government to Support Development of Lunar Communication Satellites, Landers, and Mobility Solutions... Fostering the 'Lunar Economy'

Fostering a Private-Led Lunar Exploration Industry Ecosystem
KASA Holds Business Roundtable
"Supporting Entry into the Global Lunar Market"

The government will support the development of lunar communication satellites, small lunar landers, and mobility solutions for lunar bases, aiming to lay the groundwork for domestic companies to enter the global lunar exploration market. The strategy is to go beyond government-led exploration by fostering an industrial ecosystem where the private sector drives the lunar economy and to strengthen the competitiveness of Korean companies in the global lunar market.

On July 8, the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) announced that it held a business roundtable titled "Expanding the Territory of the Lunar Economy through Public-Private Cooperation" at its headquarters. This roundtable was the first industry meeting held since the National Space Committee approved the "Korea Space and Aerospace Industry Promotion Strategy" on July 3. The meeting was organized to discuss ways for the government and companies to cooperate in enabling domestic industry to enter the global lunar economy and build a self-sustaining exploration industry ecosystem.

Imaginary Image of Korean Lunar Exploration. The Asia Business Daily DB

Nine companies involved in lunar exploration attended the roundtable, including AP Satellite, LIG Defense & Aerospace, Micro Infinity, Intergravity Technologies, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Hanwha Systems, Hanwha Aerospace, Hyundai Rotem, and Hyundai Motor Company.

Accelerating the Creation of the Lunar Economy Ecosystem

KASA plans to begin industry-led development of lunar orbit communication and navigation technologies starting in 2027 to enhance private sector capabilities in building lunar communication infrastructure. In 2029, it aims to launch a 500kg-class demonstration lunar orbit communication satellite.

To enable companies to enter the global lunar transport market early, the government will support the development and demonstration of a 700kg-class small lunar lander and pursue Korea’s first private-sector-led lunar landing by 2030. Mobility solutions for lunar logistics targeting NASA’s demand for lunar base construction will also be developed by industry from 2028, with demonstration planned for 2031.

Participating companies expressed concerns about the initial investment burden and challenges in commercialization required to enter the global lunar exploration market and requested ongoing government support. They also suggested that government seed investment should lead to increased private investment, creating a virtuous cycle for a self-sustaining exploration industry ecosystem.

KASA Administrator Tae seog Oh stated, "The Moon has become a key space asset that determines not only the domain of exploration but also security and the economy. We will reinforce the policy foundation so that innovative companies like a 'Korean version of SpaceX' can emerge, and we will actively support our companies in playing key roles in global markets such as NASA’s lunar base construction program."

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