01
The Growing Value of the Lunar Surface and the Urgent Need for Korea’s Independent Exploration Capabilities
Advancements in technology and new observational data have led to a reassessment of the Moon’s value across diverse sectors—scientific, economic, industrial, and security. With global initiatives expanding lunar science, including in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), surface infrastructure and habitation, and surface mobility, the value of the lunar surface is expected to continue to increase. Securing autonomous lunar exploration capabilities is urgently required to enter the rapidly expanding lunar market and claim a stake in this high-value domain. Failure to act now will likely result in an expanding technological gap and heightened barriers to entry, ultimately leading to the loss of competitiveness and market opportunities. Major spacefaring nations are securing lunar exploration technologies through long-term national roadmaps, while emerging countries are gradually progressing from basic small-scale missions to soft landing capabilities and, eventually, large and complex integrated missions. As lunar missions become increasingly complex and costly, international collaboration is gaining importance as a means to ensure sustainable exploration. To participate in these joint programs on equal footing, Korea must possess indigenous capabilities that enable mutually beneficial cooperation.
To ensure sustainable lunar exploration and secure autonomous capabilities, it is essential to acquire core technologies for soft landing and surface operations.
Core Technologies Needed for Korea’s Space Exploration Capability
- 1Space transportation technology, Navigation technology
- 2Soft landing technology for the Moon and planetary surfaces
- 3Mobility and exploration technology for the Moon and planetary surfaces
Space transportation is being developed through the Next-Generation Launch Vehicle project, and navigation technologies, such as translunar injection and lunar orbit insertion, have been partially demonstrated through the Danuri (KPLO) mission. The Lunar Lander Development Project will further advance navigation technologies, develop core capabilities for powered descent and soft landing, including guidance and navigation, propulsion systems, structural systems, and landing verification, and lay the groundwork for surface mobility and exploration technologies.
02
Korea Will Land the National Flag on the Moon by 2032
On October 30, 2024, the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) signed an agreement to begin Phase 2 of the Lunar Exploration Program—the Lunar Lander Development Project.
Designated as an “Innovation-Driven R&D Project,” this initiative aims to secure critical lunar landing and surface exploration technologies, thereby strengthening Korea’s ability to participate proactively in the emerging lunar economy.