[Reading Science] Korea's Space Industry Must Make a Quantum Jump Through Bold Investment

Essential Economic-Security in the 4th Industrial Revolution Era
Urgent Need for Challenging Technological Innovation and Strengthening International Cooperation

"With the success of the third Nuriho launch, we will build international competitiveness in the space industry."

This was said by Lee Jong-ho, Minister of Science and ICT, immediately after the successful third launch of Korea's space launch vehicle Nuriho on the afternoon of the 25th of last month. It is an accurate observation. The success of Nuriho is actually just a 'starting point.' We must not be intoxicated by embarrassing nationalistic pride such as becoming one of the 'top 7 space powers' or the dawn of the 'space economy era.' Reality is harsh. In terms of launch vehicle technology, Nuriho is not even at the level of space powers from 50 years ago. It is also not economical. The launch cost per kilogram is about $32,500, more than 20 times that of the private sector leader SpaceX. The private space industry in areas such as space exploration, satellites, components, materials, and satellite information utilization is still at a nascent stage.

The significance of Nuriho's successful launch is, of course, great. Right after the launch, Han Jae-heung, director of the KAIST Satellite Research Center, said, "(After launching a satellite with Nuriho) it feels like having flown economy class but now flying first class," which best expressed the need for an independent launch vehicle. We are now free from interference by others when launching Korean satellites. We have secured national strategic technology that cannot be bought even with money.

On the other hand, some still ask, "Why space at all?" The United States did not acquire alien technology from unidentified flying objects (UFOs). It was thanks to advanced technologies such as microchips gained from the fierce space race with the former Soviet Union in the 1960s and 1970s. In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, space has become an economic domain for humanity. Space exploration is no longer an option but a necessity for the future and security.

Korea is just beginning. Securing an independent domain and international competitiveness is essential. First, we must further enhance our own competitiveness. We need to quickly move toward reusable, low-cost launch vehicles. Although the development of next-generation launch vehicles has already begun, industry, academia, and research institutes must unite to achieve a technological leap as soon as possible. Korea has a strong manufacturing technology and industrial base, as well as advanced information and communication technology (ICT) such as semiconductors. With bold and focused investment, we can catch up anytime. The same applies to space exploration and satellite fields. Luxembourg, the base of space mining; the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which succeeded in Mars exploration; and private satellite information companies active in the Russia-Ukraine war are exemplary cases. The key is regulatory relaxation, active efforts to foster private industry, and bold, challenging investment.

We must also take a more proactive approach to space development cooperation with the international community, including the United States. John Lee, a Korean-American former senior NASA official who recently visited Korea, was reportedly surprised by Korea’s satellite manufacturing and launch vehicle technology but expressed disappointment with the willingness and level of international cooperation. This means Korea should more actively promote its technologies and facilities, identify areas for cooperation, and extend a hand first.

The newly established, tentatively named 'Space Agency' should become the pillar for strengthening international competitiveness. It must be reborn as a powerful institution leading space policy and administration with expertise and independence. It should bring together industry, academia, and research institutes in one place to lead a 'quantum jump' in space technology and ignite the activation of the private space industry. The role of Hanwha Aerospace, selected as the system integrator for the 4th to 6th Nuriho launch vehicles and gaining attention as 'Korea’s SpaceX,' is also noteworthy. Fortunately, Hanwha seems to have the will. Son Jae-il, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, said right after the third Nuriho launch, "We plan to develop disruptive technology. It is urgent that industry, academia, and research institutes join forces to establish global competitiveness."

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