Oh Tae-seok, the newly appointed Administrator of the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), has identified the fifth launch of the Nuri rocket, scheduled for the second half of this year, as a key priority.
"Let us usher in the era of K-Space through space technology self-reliance," Oh said at his inauguration ceremony held at the space agency's headquarters in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, on Saturday.
He outlined key priorities including completing the fifth Nuri rocket launch and laying the groundwork for transitioning launch services to the private sector, advancing capabilities in developing and operating medium and large satellites, preparing for lunar exploration follow-up projects and international joint exploration missions, and establishing a policy framework that integrates space and aviation.
Oh also indicated plans to focus on expanding private sector-led research and development, fostering the industrial ecosystem through technology commercialization, and strengthening international cooperation.
"With the successful Nuri launches, we have joined the ranks of the world's seven leading space nations, but we still have a long way to go," Oh said. "Going forward, I will steadily push ahead with key priorities one by one to deliver tangible results."
During his inauguration speech, Oh noted his role in establishing the Space Agency Launch Preparation Team while serving as First Vice Minister of Science and ICT, as well as his participation as chairman of the launch management committee for the second and third Nuri launches.
"As administrator, I want to work together above all to make the space agency the best workplace where public servants most want to work," he said. "The core of every organization and every strategy ultimately comes down to people."