KASA (Korea AeroSpace Admin)

The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) serves as the central executive body responsible for the South Korean national space programme. Operating under the Ministry of Science and ICT, it functions as both a regulatory authority and a strategic lead for the domestic aerospace industry. Its primary role involves coordinating national space policy, fostering private sector participation in the space economy, and overseeing the development of satellite and launch vehicle technologies to ensure sovereign access to orbit. Key initiatives managed by the agency include the continued development and refinement of the Nuri (KSLV-II) launch vehicle and the expansion of the Korea Positioning System (KPS). KASA collaborates with established domestic industrial partners such as Hanwha Aerospace and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to transition from government-led projects to a private-sector-led ecosystem. It also engages in international cooperation with global bodies like NASA, particularly concerning lunar exploration and deep-space missions. Prospective partners or contractors should verify the current division of operational responsibilities between KASA and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI). It is essential to confirm specific procurement guidelines for foreign entities, export control compliance regarding dual-use technologies, and the timeline for upcoming competitive tenders under the national space development roadmap.