South Korea Also Seeks Role in NASA Moon Base Project... Mobilizes Industry, Academia and Research

KASA Holds Workshop with About 50 Experts from 18 Organizations
Identifies Areas for Cooperation from Lunar Landing and Transportation to Power and Robotics

South Korea is bringing together the technological capabilities of domestic research institutes, universities, and companies to participate in the construction of a Moon Base proposed by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It will assess technological readiness in areas including lunar landing and transportation, communications and navigation, power, and robotics, and identify areas that could contribute to U.S.-South Korea space exploration cooperation.

The Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) announced that it held the “2026 International Cooperation Workshop on Moon Base Construction” at Jang Yeongsil Hall at the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute in Daejeon on November 13.

Concept for a lunar base being developed by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The plan aims to establish a foundation for long-term lunar exploration by building astronaut habitats, exploration vehicles, and power and communications facilities on the lunar surface. On the 13th, the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) held a workshop with experts from industry, academia, and research institutions to discuss technologies and cooperation measures that could contribute to building a lunar base. Provided by NASA.

About 50 experts from 18 organizations, including domestic research institutes, universities, and companies, attended the workshop. It was organized to assess South Korea’s technological capabilities in response to NASA’s Moon Base construction plans and to develop concrete strategies for South Korea’s future independent lunar exploration and international cooperation with the United States.

Participants shared research achievements and technologies across a range of fields, including astronomy and space science, lunar landing and transportation, communications and navigation, power, construction and infrastructure, materials, robotics and mobility, life sciences, and the space environment. In particular, they discussed opportunities for cooperation by linking technologies held by individual organizations for use in Moon Base construction.

Unlike Earth, the Moon is subject to extreme temperature fluctuations, radiation, and fine lunar dust. It is therefore important to develop a comprehensive range of technologies, including reliable power supply and communications, autonomous robots, and construction technologies.

Building on the discussions, KASA plans to strengthen cooperation among domestic industry, academia, and research institutions and develop concrete plans for independent lunar exploration and international cooperation.

“This workshop was a meaningful opportunity to bring together the outstanding research and technological capabilities of domestic industry, academia, and research institutions and explore complementary ways to cooperate,” said Tae seog Oh, head of KASA. “Building on the core technological capabilities we have developed over the years, we will expand domestic cooperation networks overseas and further strengthen our capabilities for future space exploration.”

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