Socio-Technical Analysis of Korea’s Space Economy Transition

Abstract This chapter examines South Korea’s strategic shift toward making the space economy a cornerstone of national growth by creating the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) in 2024 and launching a comprehensive “Space Policy 2.0.” Korea’s space policy has transitioned from technology development in the 1980s to a cohesive vision centered on economic growth, resilience, and international leadership. Using the concept of socio-technical imaginaries—or visions that align technology with collective societal goals—this chapter explores how South Korea’s space economy reflects broader economic, political, and social ambitions. The Fourth Industrial Revolution, the abolition of the US-Korea Missile Guidelines, and heightened economic security concerns have catalyzed a policy shift toward a self-sustaining space industry ecosystem. The chapter underscores the Korean government’s dynamic role in fostering public-private partnerships and balanced regional development, positioning space policy as a powerful embodiment of national pride, innovation, and strategic autonomy on the global stage.