Seoul: The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) announced that it has increased its 2026 budget by 15 percent from this year to 1.11 trillion won (US$7.98 billion). The additional funds are primarily allocated for satellite development and lunar exploration.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the national space agency plans to focus the budget on six key areas. These include strengthening space transportation capacity, acquiring new technology, advancing satellite-based communications, navigation, and observation, and fostering future space industries through exploration.

The budget for satellite development is set to increase by 24.4 billion won, reaching a total of 236.2 billion won. This allocation includes 6.2 billion won for the creation of ultra high-resolution imaging satellites and projects for 6G-based low-orbit satellite communications.

Funding for space exploration will rise by 42.5 billion won, totaling 96.8 billion won. The second phase of the country's lunar program, focused on developing a lander, will receive 80.9 billion won next year.

In the aviation sector, KASA plans to increase the budget by 13.7 billion won to 51.1 billion won. This will support projects for advanced air vehicles (AAVs), core civil aircraft engine technologies, and lightweight high-strength materials.

However, the space transportation budget will decrease by 46.4 billion won, or 14.9 percent, to 264.2 billion won. This reduction follows the conclusion of the Nuri rocket program and a delay in the country's next-generation launch vehicle project, as stated by KASA.