KOREAN NET

The second phase of a lunar exploration project has started in the hope of landing a rover on the moon by 2032. Shown is an illustration of the proposed module on the moon. (Korea Aerospace Research Institute)

By Margareth Theresia

The second phase of a national project to develop a lunar probe has started.

The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) on Nov. 4 said it signed an agreement with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute on Oct. 30 on the second phase of a moon exploration project and development of the nation's first lunar lander.

The stage aims to develop the country's first lunar rover through operations like development of the module with domestic technology, verification of the technology for a safe landing on the moon's surface, and scientific and technological missions.

The project period is from October this year to December 2033, culminating with the planned launch of the lander by 2032.

The payload needed for the landing mission will be based on scientific and technological requirements to be determined along with the expected landing site.

The first phase of the project was to launch the nation's first lunar orbiter Danuri into space. Since its successful blastoff in 2022, the device is conducting scientific missions.

Lunar Lander Program chief Rew Dong Young said, "Following the success of Korea's first lunar orbiter Danuri, this lunar lander development project will secure technologies essential for space exploration such as moon landing and surface exploration and bolster our capacity to take part in future lunar-based economic activities in space."

margareth@korea.kr