Goheung-gun, Smooth Progress in Establishing Space Launch Vehicle Industry Cluster

Exemption from Preliminary Feasibility Study for Launch Vehicle Technology Center, Securing 240 Billion Won

Commencement of Service for 'Space Launch Vehicle Science Complex'

Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Gong Young-min) announced that since the county was designated as a ‘Launch Vehicle Specialized Zone’ by the National Space Committee in December last year, the overall development of the space launch vehicle industry cluster, promoted as a future strategic industry of the region, is progressing smoothly.

The space launch vehicle industry cluster project, reflected in the 120 national tasks, is a mid- to long-term project to foster a private-led space industry (New Space) centered on the Naro Space Center, the only domestic launch site in Goheung. Approximately 1.6 trillion KRW is planned to be invested by 2031 for projects including the construction of a private launch site and the establishment of a national industrial complex for space launch vehicles.

[Photo by Goheung-gun]

In particular, on August 23, the National Research and Development Project Evaluation Committee finalized the project to build a launch vehicle technology commercialization center for one-stop support of private launch sites and launch vehicle companies as an exemption from preliminary feasibility study, securing a budget of about 240 billion KRW, which has accelerated the project.

Additionally, the national industrial complex for space launch vehicles, to be developed on approximately 520,000 pyeong (1,729,176㎡) near the Naro Space Center, is scheduled to apply for a preliminary feasibility study early next year after a pre-feasibility study by LH, the project implementer this year.

Since May 18, Goheung-gun has signed a win-win cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Jeollanam-do, Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH), and Jeonnam Development Corporation to successfully promote the national industrial complex. The county plans to make every effort to attract anchor launch vehicle companies such as Hanwha Aerospace, as well as venture and startup companies, to ensure the swift passage of the preliminary feasibility study.

Furthermore, the ‘Space Launch Vehicle Science Complex’ project, which can be called the Korean version of the Kennedy Space Center, had its planning and feasibility review service commissioned by the Ministry of Science and ICT this month. The project aims to establish space science education and experience facilities that can inspire dreams about space for children such as Nuriho Kids, and to promote long-term co-growth of the private space industry.

Governor Gong Young-min said, “If the space launch vehicle industry cluster, which can be the foundation for Goheung’s vision of a population of 100,000 in 10 years, is successfully established, Goheung-gun will solidify its position as the center of the space launch vehicle industry through the agglomeration of launch vehicle companies.” He added, “We will mobilize all administrative power to ensure that core projects proceed with speed.”

Goheung = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Shim Jeong-woo hss79@asiae.co.kr

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