Centralizing Korea's space governance: Institutional impacts and strategic implications one year after launching KASA

IF 2.7 4区社会学 Q2 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Space Policy Pub Date : 2026-08-01 Epub Date: 2026-02-04 DOI:10.1016/j.spacepol.2026.101748

Young-Joo Song, Donghun Lee, Jooho Park

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Abstract

Following the launch of the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) in May 2024, this paper examines the institutional impacts and strategic implications of Korea's transition to centralized space governance. The establishment of KASA marked a fundamental departure from the country's long-standing fragmented, multi-agency structure, signaling a policy shift toward more coordinated and industry-driven space development. This study analyzes the policy rationale behind KASA's creation, evaluates its organizational structure and mandate, and critically assesses early challenges in institutional consolidation and strategic implementation during its first year of operation. Special attention is given to the government-led Triangular Cluster Strategy—linking Goheung, Jinju/Sacheon, and Daejeon—as a spatial-industrial policy tool to foster a private-led space economy. The paper also identifies structural limitations in KASA's legal authority, budget autonomy, R&D role, and international engagement. Based on these findings, it offers policy recommendations to strengthen institutional effectiveness and long-term sustainability. The study contributes to broader international discussions on institutional design and governance reform for emerging spacefaring nations seeking to consolidate their space strategies.

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韩国空间管理的集中化：KASA发射一年后的制度影响和战略影响

在韩国航空航天局（KASA）于2024年5月成立之后，本文研究了韩国向集中式空间治理过渡的制度影响和战略意义。KASA的成立标志着该国从根本上改变了长期以来分散的多机构结构，标志着政策转向更加协调和工业驱动的空间发展。本研究分析了建立安全管理局背后的政策依据，评估了其组织结构和任务，并对其第一年运作期间机构巩固和战略实施方面的早期挑战进行了批判性评估。政府主导的“三角集群战略”（连接高兴、晋州、泗川、大田）是培育民间主导的空间经济的空间产业政策工具，备受关注。本文还确定了KASA的法律权威、预算自治、研发角色和国际参与方面的结构性限制。根据这些发现，报告提出了加强体制有效性和长期可持续性的政策建议。这项研究有助于就寻求巩固其空间战略的新兴航天国家的体制设计和治理改革进行更广泛的国际讨论。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Space Policy Multiple-

CiteScore

3.40

自引率

36.40%

发文量

期刊介绍： Space Policy is an international, interdisciplinary journal which draws on the fields of international relations, economics, history, aerospace studies, security studies, development studies, political science and ethics to provide discussion and analysis of space activities in their political, economic, industrial, legal, cultural and social contexts. Alongside full-length papers, which are subject to a double-blind peer review system, the journal publishes opinion pieces, case studies and short reports and, in so doing, it aims to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions and a means by which authors can alert policy makers and international organizations to their views. Space Policy is also a journal of record, reproducing, in whole or part, official documents such as treaties, space agency plans or government reports relevant to the space community. Views expressed in the journal are not necessarily those of the editors or members of the editorial board.