Oriented on making people closer

The South Korean space agency (KASA), established just one year ago, has presented ambitious long-term plans for lunar and Martian exploration. The document, announced on July 17 at a hearing of the National Research Foundation of Korea, encompasses five key missions: studying low Earth orbit, microgravity, the Moon, as well as the Sun and deep space.

Within the framework of its lunar program, KASA intends to develop proprietary technologies for lunar landing and surface locomotion. Special emphasis will be placed on technologies for the extraction and utilization of lunar resources, including water ice. Some work is already underway: for instance, the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources recently tested lunar rover prototypes in a coal mine, practicing methods for mineral extraction.

South Korea already possesses experience in cislunar space—in August 2022, the Danuri lunar probe was launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, successfully entering lunar orbit and remaining operational. While a robotic lunar rover landing was initially planned by 2032, these new ambitious objectives stipulate the development of an upgraded lunar rover by 2040 and the construction of a lunar base by 2045. Furthermore, KASA aims to achieve the country's first-ever Mars landing, also by 2045.

Currently, the implementation of these bold space projects is in its preliminary stages; however, the South Korean space program is demonstrating rapid development.

ORIENT

Photo: NASA