Korea aims for its first lunar lander landing before 2030
Lee Kyung-won, Deputy Director of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, said at a press conference on aerospace industry development strategy that Korea is preparing for the "lunar economy" era by aiming to achieve its first landing with a small lunar lander in its history before 2030.
"To comprehensively develop the 'lunar economy,' we will gradually enhance our lunar exploration capabilities and support domestic enterprises in building lunar bases," Lee said.
He added that this project will be implemented through collaboration between government and private enterprises.
The South Korean government also plans to promote emerging industries based on low Earth orbit, including space-based data centers and manufacturing platforms.
It is understood that the goal of launching a small lunar lander before 2030 is intended to support private enterprises.
"Our companies have never previously transported cargo to the Moon. Therefore, the government is working with private enterprises to develop a small lunar lander project," Lee said.
Korea also plans to launch a lunar communication satellite in 2029 and an instrument for studying near-lunar space in 2031.
President Yoon Suk-yeol chaired the fifth meeting of Korea's highest-level space policy-making body, the National Space Committee, on Friday.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869720006238218/
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