In the era of ‘New Space,’ characterized by the predominance of private enterprises in the space launch industry, South Korea is set to revise its approach to regulating space launches. Instead of issuing permits on a case-by-case basis, the country will adopt a licensing system. Defense-related space launches will be overseen by the Minister of National Defense to prevent potential conflicts.
The South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) announced on Feb. 21 that it plans to propose an amendment to the Space Development Promotion Act to facilitate the transition to a licensing system for space launches. This initiative is part of a broader effort announced last September to enhance the competitiveness of Korea’s space launch sector.
Under the current framework, space launch operations in Korea require approval from the MSIT for each launch. This method, suitable for government-led projects like Naro or Nuri, which launch every few years, has become complex with the entrance of private entities into the market and the anticipated rise in launch activities.
Notably, Innospace, a local space company, achieved a launch from Brazil’s Alcântara Launch Center (CLA) last year. Moreover, the Naro Space Center in Goheung, South Jeolla Province, is being developed as a launch base for private enterprises. In contrast, SpaceX, a leading American space firm, undertakes as many as 144 launches annually. The government is adopting a licensing model to enable multiple launches under uniform conditions to accommodate the growing demand more efficiently, eliminating the need for individual permits.
Launch licenses will be valid for a set term, up to five years, facilitating repeated launches from a consistent location using the same vehicle. The MSIT highlighted the shift’s potential to reduce administrative and financial burdens, aligning with the frequent launch ambitions of the public and private sectors.
The authority to launch defense-related space missions, which was controversial last year, has also been clarified. In December 2022, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) launched a solid-fuel-propelled space launch vehicle from the Agency for Defense Development’s Anheung Test Center in Taean in South Chungcheong Province. An unannounced launch of an unidentified craft spotted ascending without warning during the evening rush hour caused anxiety among citizens.
Based on the Space Development Promotion Act, effective from Dec. 11, 2022, the MSIT clarified that the launch of suborbital launch vehicles would require the approval of the MSIT Minister. Following this clarification, the MSIT and the MND engaged in high-level consultations to define the targets, procedures, and criteria for space launch permits. These discussions led to the decision that the MND Minister would have exclusive authority over approving defense space launches.
The amendment awaits submission to the National Assembly in June after comprehensive consultations, regulatory reviews, and approvals from relevant ministries and legislative bodies.
