South Korea starts discussions for a National Space Agency
In the context of South Korea becoming more and more mindful of space, Rep. Yang Jeong-suk of the National Assembly Science and Technology Committee announced the proposal of amendments to the Space Development Promotion Act and the Government Organisation Act on 14 July. The proposed bill would see the establishment of a national space agency with budgetary and R&D discretionary authority to promote the development of the South Korean space industry.
The agency would fall under the control of the President and be responsible for the much-needed coordination of the different entities involved in the management of national space policies and efforts. Presently, KARI (Korea Aerospace Research Institute) oversees research and development while key decisions and policies are handled mostly by the National Space Committee and, to a lesser extent, the Ministry of Science and ICT. This structure has previously garnered criticism for lacking continuity in the aerospace business.
