Korea's space agency proposes 1 trillion won budget for next year, including support for private companies

The Korea Aerospace Agency announced that it will raise its budget for fiscal 2026 by 15% from the 2025 level to a total of 1.1131 trillion won (approximately 117.64287 billion yen).
Strengthening space transportation technology and securing new technologies, innovating satellite communications, navigation, and observation methods, creating space-related businesses through bold exploration, leading the way in next-generation aviation technology and ensuring a stable supply chain.
The government will invest mainly in areas such as creating a private-sector-centered industrial sector, developing space and aviation specialists, and practical diplomacy.
By business, the company will invest 100 billion won (approximately 10,568,690,000 yen) in new space projects.
In the satellite field, development of high-resolution satellite technology of the 10-centimeter class is being carried out to ensure satellite observation technology.
15.3 billion won (approximately 1.6175 billion yen) has been secured for the development of low-orbit satellite communication technology using sixth-generation (6G) technology, aiming for a wrap-up party in 2030.
In response to the paradigm shift to electric aircraft in the 2030s, the company will invest 51.1 billion won (approximately 5.4 billion yen), an increase of 36.8%, in the development of autonomous aerial vehicles (AAVs) and other technologies.
Yoon Youngbin, director of the agency, said, "The 2026 budget proposal will include new projects, such as the development of high-resolution satellites, which will be a strategic technology for the agency after its opening."