Space Agency Chief Nominee: "Space Development Ultimately Led by Private Sector... Securing Talent Is Crucial" (Comprehensive)

Yoon Young-bin, the nominee for Administrator of the Korea Aerospace Agency, stated on the 2nd, "We will break away from the existing government-led project approach and redefine the role-sharing with the private sector," adding, "Ultimately, the private sector will lead commercial space development."

On the same day, Yoon, along with Deputy Administrator nominee Noh Kyung-won and Mission Headquarters Director nominee John Lee, held a roundtable meeting with reporters at the Digital Platform Government Committee's main conference room in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The Korea Aerospace Agency is scheduled to open on the 27th in Sacheon, Gyeongnam.

Yoon Young-bin, the nominee for Administrator of the Space Aviation Agency (right), is giving a greeting at a meeting with the Ministry of Science and ICT press corps held on the afternoon of the 2nd at the Digital Platform Government Committee's main conference room in Jongno-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

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Yoon emphasized, "The most important role of the Korea Aerospace Agency is to empower the private sector and companies to take charge of space development."

He diagnosed, "Space development worldwide is rapidly evolving into a private sector-led model. So far, South Korea has been government-led, which has caused us to lag behind global trends."

He continued, "The Korea Aerospace Agency will establish projects that encourage private sector participation and, when necessary, the government will participate," adding, "In the future, we will transfer space technology to the private sector to mature it and accelerate the timing of their independence." He said, "At this point, we are considering which projects to empower first in the private sector, and when, to whom, and what to entrust."

He explained that research institutes and universities will be supported to focus on high-risk, long-term future space development projects.

To elevate South Korea to one of the top five space powers, narrowing the gap with existing space powers must come first. Yoon said, "It is a matter to consider how to reduce the gap with space superpowers and how to proceed with projects during that process."

He also explained, "Space development requires enormous costs and time," adding, "Even the United States finds it difficult, so it does not act alone but forms consortia like 'Artemis' with the help of multiple countries."

He added, "It is appropriate for South Korea to participate in international consortia," and said, "We will strive to secure a large budget to actively participate in the Artemis program."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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With just over 20 days before the agency's opening, the most urgent task is securing personnel. The agency's staff capacity is 293. Deputy Administrator nominee Noh said, "The agency's personnel consist of general government officials and fixed-term officials, but fixed-term positions are not always fully filled," and predicted, "At the time of opening, the number will start at just over 100, and most positions will be filled by the end of the year."

Yoon emphasized the importance of appointing division heads (director-level, total of 5) within the mission organization responsible for practical work. He said, "We intend to bring in experts for the mission organization," adding, "We are carefully considering this, so it is taking a little time."

Nominee John Lee said that 'teamwork' among members is the most important. He said, "It is important to select people who can work together with teamwork and look in the same direction," and added, "Considering Korea's technology and expertise, we can definitely reach a world-class level."

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