Korea Aerospace Administration Launches 'Naro Space Center Advancement'... Full-Scale Discussions Begin for Private Launches

Preparing for the Era of Commercial Launches in the 2030s
Expanding Infrastructure by Incorporating Industry Feedback

The Korea Aerospace Administration has initiated an advancement project to expand the functions of the Naro Space Center.

On October 17, the agency held a meeting at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute to discuss the necessity of the project and detailed planning proposals.

Nuri rocket is being launched from the launch pad at Naro Space Center in Goheung, Jeonnam. Photo by Asia Economy Database

The meeting was attended by companies specializing in launch site facilities and equipment, private launch-related firms, and officials from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute. Participants shared plans for improving facilities and equipment to ensure the stable operation of key national launch vehicles such as the Nuri rocket and next-generation launch vehicles, as well as plans to build support facilities for the private launch site scheduled to open in 2027.

As more than 20 years have passed since the opening of the Naro Space Center, there have been ongoing calls for upgrading aging major equipment and expanding its functions.

Attendees offered a variety of opinions on equipment improvements for increased private sector use, launch site usage procedures, and methods of participating in the project.

The Korea Aerospace Administration gathered a wide range of feedback on industry technical capabilities and on-site needs through this meeting and plans to develop an effective proposal that reflects this input.

Park Jaeseong, Director of Space Transportation, stated, "The Naro Space Center advancement project is not only about expanding the functions of the nation’s main launch site, but also about securing core infrastructure to support private commercial launches in the 2030s. We will actively review industry feedback and incorporate it into the planning proposal."

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