South Korea is expanding its space exploration efforts. According to a new roadmap published by the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), the country plans to establish a lunar base by 2045. Established in 2024, KASA focuses on five key areas encompassing both low-Earth orbit and deep-space missions. These areas include microgravity research, lunar exploration programs, solar science studies, and general space science projects.
South Korea to Officially Establish a Lunar Base
South Korea has begun concrete preparations for its lunar projects. Mining robots developed by the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources for use on the lunar surface have been tested in an abandoned coal mine. These prototype robots are expected to be tasked with mining resources on the Moon in the future. Various R&D activities are underway, particularly on the extraction and use of valuable resources such as water ice on the Moon.
The country has also gained experience in lunar orbit. The Danuri spacecraft, launched in August 2022, is still operating. Launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, Danuri is examining the Moon’s surface with various scientific instruments, and the data obtained will form the basis for future exploration missions.
South Korea previously announced plans to launch a robotic lunar lander by 2032. However, the newly released roadmap has pushed this goal even further. It envisions developing a more advanced lander by 2040 and constructing a permanent, affordable lunar base within five years. The plan encompasses not only technological advancements but also an economic and strategic approach to assessing potential lunar resources.
Other leading countries in the global space race are taking similar steps. The US is preparing to establish bases on the Moon within the next decade with its Artemis program. It is working in partnership with China, Russia, and several other countries. India, meanwhile, plans to establish its own lunar base by 2047. South Korea’s 2045 goal is designed to gain a voice in this race.
