Korea will build a domestic low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite communications network by 2035. It marks the first time an official commercialization target date has been announced. The plan aims to establish a milestone for public-private cooperation to nurture an aerospace industry that links LEO satellite communications, lunar exploration, and launch vehicle and satellite manufacturing infrastructure, centered on the Yeongnam region.
Hanwha Group and Hyundai Motor Group have agreed to actively participate in the push to become a space power. Hanwha, in particular, following its plan to create a Korean version of SpaceX, recently acquired a large stake in Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to become the second-largest shareholder, and then unveiled a 55 trillion won plan for facility investment and research and development in Yeongnam. Hyundai Motor Group also decided to invest 42 trillion won to expand its business into future air and space mobility.
President Lee Jae-myung emphasized at the National Space Committee meeting held in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, on Tuesday, "Recently, areas called 'irreplaceable Korea,' such as semiconductors and shipbuilding, are emerging," adding, "The aerospace sector also has ample potential." He also assessed, "Like the seas of the Age of Exploration, space is becoming a stage of limitless opportunity for every nation equipped with advanced technology and industrial capability."
At the subsequent "National Report Session on the Vision for Yeongnam Advanced Industry Development," Hanwha Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan personally presented the "Mid- to Long-Term Strategy for an AI Space Power," announcing a plan to build integrated space infrastructure spanning from launch vehicles to satellite services. The integrated space infrastructure will consist of an observation satellite constellation, a space AI data center, and a LEO satellite communications network.
Vice Chairman Kim presented three goals — securing space sovereignty, building national defense AI capabilities, and completing an aerospace ecosystem — before stressing, "We will execute 55 trillion won in investment going forward." He emphasized, "The first step toward securing space sovereignty is developing an independent launch vehicle," adding, "We will secure the capability for our country to reach space at any time." To this end, Hanwha Aerospace (012450.KS) will invest 23 trillion won to build a final assembly plant and launch vehicle development and testing facilities, later transitioning to commercial launches to secure independent space transport capability.
The role of seamlessly transmitting information collected by observation satellites to the space data center and the ground will be handled by the LEO satellite communications network, called the Korean version of Starlink. Hanwha Systems plans to first begin service with 192 satellites, then launch more than 60 additional satellites to extend satellite lifespan and expand Arctic coverage. These satellites will head to space aboard launch vehicles built by Hanwha Aerospace. Hanwha Systems plans to invest about 20 trillion won in building ultra-low-orbit SAR satellites, a space AI data center, and a satellite communications network.
Hyundai Motor Group also decided to expand its business beyond urban air mobility (UAM) to space launch vehicles and lunar exploration. Supernal, its U.S. advanced air mobility subsidiary, plans to develop a next-generation aircraft based on an electrified powertrain in parallel in the Yeongnam region, building a domestic foundation to lead the future aviation market.
The government also presented a blueprint to build a Korean LEO satellite communications network by 2035, keeping pace with the expansion of private investment. Oh Tae-seok, head of the Korea AeroSpace Administration, stressed at the report session, "The LEO satellite communications network that nations are competing over is core infrastructure that safeguards national security and communications sovereignty, as well as national strategic infrastructure that underpins the 6G era and the future space economy," adding, "Building a satellite communications network requires launching hundreds of satellites, and we expect our country's satellite and launch vehicle manufacturing capabilities and related ecosystem to develop dramatically."
Lunar exploration plans were also detailed. The government plans to build a foundation for lunar exploration in stages, starting with the launch of a lunar orbit communications satellite in 2029, and, ahead of a lunar landing using a next-generation launch vehicle in 2032, to first launch a small lunar lander aboard the Nuri rocket in 2030. It also plans to nurture the southern coast, where aerospace companies and infrastructure are concentrated, as a key hub for the aerospace industry's leap forward.
The government's strong support, including regulatory improvements, was also confirmed during the Space Committee's discussion that day. In response to Oh's report that permitting periods would be cut to about half when the private sector repeatedly launches the same launch vehicle, President Lee called for even faster speed, saying, "Is half enough? It shouldn't take six months." Lee emphasized, "Other countries reportedly decide within a week, so if it doesn't threaten public safety, we should move it up to the minimum," adding, "We must act quickly to secure commercial viability."
