Naro Space Center to Fully Open to Private Sector...Launch Site Barriers Coming Down

KASA Gathers Requests for Streamlined Procedures and Expanded Technical Support at Industry Roundtable

"The era of 'private launch sites' is opening in Korea."

The Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) has begun preparations to open the Naro Space Center in Goheung, Jeonnam, to private companies. This marks a transition from state-led launch infrastructure to the private sector and signals the expansion of Korea's domestic space transportation industry.

A busy scene at Naro Space Center preparing for the vertical launch of Nuriho 4th flight last November. Provided by Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA)

On April 29, the Korea Aerospace Administration held the 4th 'Aerospace SOS Roundtable' at the Naro Space Center with domestic launch vehicle companies, gathering on-site input regarding the opening of the private launch site. Major companies such as Innospace, Perigee Aerospace, Hyundai Rotem, and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) participated in the roundtable.

Until now, the Naro Space Center has been used exclusively for operating national flagship launch vehicles like Naro and Nuri. However, with the private launch site scheduled for completion in the second half of 2027, it will also be opened to private companies. In preparation, the Korea Aerospace Administration and Korea Aerospace Research Institute are drafting preliminary guidelines, including procedures for site usage and safety standards.

The participating companies shared the difficulties they have faced due to the lack of domestic private launch infrastructure, which has forced them to pursue overseas or sea launches. They expressed high expectations for the opening of the Naro Space Center and also requested policy improvements on-site, such as streamlining launch procedures and expanding technical support.

Once a private launch site is established, companies will be able to handle the entire process—from launch preparations to testing and operations—domestically. This is expected to reduce both costs and time, while also enhancing the self-sufficiency of the industry ecosystem.

Tae seog Oh, Administrator of KASA, said, "We will actively reflect the opinions raised on-site in our policies" and added, "We will support the Naro Space Center in becoming a strong partner in the space transportation industry."

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