South Korea sets ambitious goal to build a moon base by 2045
This goal is part of a comprehensive exploration roadmap revealed by the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) on July 17, which outlines several key missions in lunar exploration, space science, and microgravity research.
KASA's ambitious plan includes developing homegrown technology for lunar landings, rovers, and resource extraction, such as mining water ice from the moon.
The nation is also focused on preparing the necessary infrastructure to support long-term lunar missions, as reported by The Korea Times.
The blueprint aims to see South Korea land a robotic mission on the moon by 2032, with a more advanced lander under development for a potential mission in 2040.
The goal of constructing a permanent economic base on the moon by 2045 is part of the country's broader vision to enhance its position in global space exploration.
South Korea just laid out its long-term space exploration road map, which features the planned construction of a moon base two decades from now. https://t.co/CQsmNyY7VO — SPACE.com (@SPACEdotcom) July 20, 2025
South Korea is already laying the groundwork for its lunar aspirations. In August 2022, the country successfully launched its first moon probe, the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (Danuri), which reached lunar orbit and continues to study the moon.
In addition, prototype lunar rovers have been tested in an abandoned coal mine, simulating conditions for potential space mining operations.
KASA's goal is to foster innovation that can eventually lead to a sustainable lunar presence, similar to plans announced by other space-faring nations, according to Space.com.
The United States, through NASA's Artemis programme, is also working on lunar bases, while China has partnered with Russia for a similar endeavour. India, too, has its sights set on building a moon base by 2047.
In addition to its lunar ambitions, South Korea's space agency is also eyeing Mars, with aspirations of conducting its first Mars landing by 2045.
As nations around the world ramp up their efforts for lunar exploration, South Korea's goal reflects the increasing global interest in the moon as a hub for scientific and economic opportunities.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
21-07-2025
- Express Tribune
South Korea sets ambitious goal to build a moon base by 2045
South Korea has announced plans to establish a lunar base by 2045, marking a significant leap in the nation's space exploration ambitions. This goal is part of a comprehensive exploration roadmap revealed by the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) on July 17, which outlines several key missions in lunar exploration, space science, and microgravity research. KASA's ambitious plan includes developing homegrown technology for lunar landings, rovers, and resource extraction, such as mining water ice from the moon. The nation is also focused on preparing the necessary infrastructure to support long-term lunar missions, as reported by The Korea Times. The blueprint aims to see South Korea land a robotic mission on the moon by 2032, with a more advanced lander under development for a potential mission in 2040. The goal of constructing a permanent economic base on the moon by 2045 is part of the country's broader vision to enhance its position in global space exploration. South Korea just laid out its long-term space exploration road map, which features the planned construction of a moon base two decades from now. — (@SPACEdotcom) July 20, 2025 South Korea is already laying the groundwork for its lunar aspirations. In August 2022, the country successfully launched its first moon probe, the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (Danuri), which reached lunar orbit and continues to study the moon. In addition, prototype lunar rovers have been tested in an abandoned coal mine, simulating conditions for potential space mining operations. KASA's goal is to foster innovation that can eventually lead to a sustainable lunar presence, similar to plans announced by other space-faring nations, according to The United States, through NASA's Artemis programme, is also working on lunar bases, while China has partnered with Russia for a similar endeavour. India, too, has its sights set on building a moon base by 2047. In addition to its lunar ambitions, South Korea's space agency is also eyeing Mars, with aspirations of conducting its first Mars landing by 2045. As nations around the world ramp up their efforts for lunar exploration, South Korea's goal reflects the increasing global interest in the moon as a hub for scientific and economic opportunities.
Express Tribune
15-03-2025
- Express Tribune
Musk announces Starship's Mars mission set for 2026
SpaceX's Starship, lifts off on its third launch from Boca Chica launchpad, near Brownsville, Texas, US March 14, 2024. PHOTO: REUTERS Listen to article SpaceX founder Elon Musk confirmed on Saturday that the company's Starship rocket is slated to depart for Mars by the end of 2026, carrying Tesla's humanoid robot Optimus on board. Musk shared this development on his X social media account, outlining that human landings could begin as soon as 2029, although a more realistic timeline is 2031, depending on how well the initial missions go. Starship, currently under development by SpaceX, is the world's largest and most powerful rocket, towering at 123 metres (403 feet) tall—approximately 100 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty. The massive vehicle is designed to be fully reusable, aligning with Musk's long-term vision of colonising Mars, and it is a key component in the company's ambitions to revolutionise space travel. The Starship mission to Mars will also include Optimus, the humanoid robot developed by Tesla. Musk has previously hinted that Optimus will be capable of performing menial tasks in factories and offering companionship, and is expected to retail for $20,000 to $30,000 when available. He shared his belief that these robots could eventually perform a wide range of functions, benefiting both space missions and everyday life on Earth. While Starship plays a pivotal role in Musk's Mars ambitions, it is also central to SpaceX's current satellite launch business, where the company dominates with its Falcon 9 rocket. Furthermore, NASA is awaiting a modified version of Starship to serve as a lunar lander for the Artemis programme, which aims to send astronauts back to the Moon in the coming years. The success of Starship is therefore crucial for both Musk's vision of space exploration and NASA's aspirations. However, SpaceX's journey has not been without setbacks. This month, the latest test flight of Starship ended in an explosion shortly after liftoff, though the booster, which is responsible for propelling the rocket, was successfully caught during its orbital test. Despite the explosion, SpaceX's 'fail fast, learn fast' approach has allowed the company to rapidly advance in the space race, and it remains the world's dominant launch services provider. Elon Musk's influence in the space industry is expected to increase further, especially with former US President Donald Trump showing a keen interest in Mars exploration. Sources have indicated that Musk's ambitions to transport humans to Mars could become a more significant priority under Trump's leadership, shifting national attention away from NASA's Moon programme. However, Musk's close ties to federal regulators and his influence over the space industry have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
1734206108-0%2FNew-Project-(2)1734206108-0.png&w=3840&q=100)
Express Tribune
14-12-2024
- Express Tribune
US military in space inevitable: NASA's incoming administrator Isaacman
Jared Isaacman, the incoming administrator of NASA, has said that the deployment of US military personnel in space is 'absolutely inevitable' as the United States seeks to safeguard its growing economic interests in space. Speaking at the Space Force Association's Spacepower 2024 conference in Orlando, Isaacman stated that the expanding role of humanity in space, including the establishment of a permanent US presence in low Earth orbit, will require military personnel to ensure security. "I think it is absolutely inevitable," Isaacman said. "If Americans are in low Earth orbit, there's going to need to be people watching out for them. This is the trajectory that humankind is going to follow. America is going to lead it, and we're going to need guardians there on the high ground looking out for us." Isaacman, who was nominated last week by President-elect Donald Trump to lead NASA, emphasised the role of space in the future of the US economy. His new position will likely delay any further spaceflights, as he shifts from a private astronaut to a government leader. Isaacman, 41, previously flew on two self-funded missions aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule. Space Economy Vision A key focus of Isaacman's tenure at NASA will be fostering the development of a robust space economy. He expressed a desire to explore new frontiers beyond the current commercial space ventures, citing the potential of space-based industries like mining, manufacturing, and energy production. Isaacman challenged private companies, including Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin, to innovate beyond the existing paradigms of space activity. "The space economy has been more or less the same for 60 years," he said, urging companies to 'crack the code' on new ventures. Space, he added, holds 'unparalleled potential for breakthroughs in manufacturing, biotechnology, mining, and perhaps even pathways to new sources of energy.' Isaacman predicted that space will evolve into a thriving economy, creating opportunities for people to live and work off-planet. He pledged that NASA would be at the forefront of making humanity a "true spacefaring civilisation." US Military Presence in Space Isaacman's remarks on the inevitable deployment of US military personnel in space align with growing calls for military involvement in space security. He did not specify a timeline for when military personnel might be stationed in orbit but suggested that it could coincide with NASA's plans to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon through its Artemis program. Retired Lieutenant General John Shaw of the US Space Force had previously suggested in 2020 that the Department of Defence would eventually establish command centres beyond Earth's atmosphere to protect American interests in space.
