[Column] What It Takes for Korea's SpaceX to Emerge

The bid for selecting the next-generation launch vehicle operator to make the Republic of Korea a lunar landing nation has failed twice in a row. Hanwha Aerospace, the only bidder, is now highly likely to secure the contract through a private agreement.

This case attracted attention as a starting point for the transition from a state-led to a private-led 'NewSpace' era. However, the fact that the operator is selected without competition remains a challenge to be addressed.

This project, which requires at least hundreds of billions of won, has a stark difference between success and failure. If successful, it will be a cause for celebration, but it could also become a poisoned chalice. The industry evaluates that Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), a competitor, ultimately gave up on the next-generation launch vehicle project due to risk concerns. For companies like Hanwha, whose ownership is not firmly established, bearing this burden is not easy.

Having multiple companies challenge large-scale projects like the next-generation launch vehicle could lead to a waste of national resources. However, the significance of competition is unique. It is an essential element for development. Also, having options is important for the stability of the industry.

SpaceX, which virtually monopolizes the current launch vehicle market, also faced fierce competition from rivals such as Boeing and Blue Origin. As a result, NASA was able to prepare for space development by contracting with multiple companies. NASA's lunar lander development project also saw competition among three companies: SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Dynetics.

Recently, space development has shifted to private leadership. The lunar landers of the United States and Japan both headed to space powered by rockets led by private companies. Efficiency is essential for sustainability even in space development. If Korea aims to create its own SpaceX, a mindset shift that tolerates failure is necessary.

SpaceX’s large spacecraft 'Starship,' selected by NASA as the lunar lander, experienced two failures last year. Despite the failures, congratulations followed. Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator, said that spaceflight is a difficult adventure and that "test flights were learning opportunities, and they can fly again." The Ministry of Science and ICT and the soon-to-be-established Korea Aerospace Agency must also recognize challenges and failures to accelerate the NewSpace era.

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