Space Cluster Budget Execution Rate at 6.1% as Space Agency's R&D Projects Face Delays

Last year's research and development (R&D) project implementation performance of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) was found to be subpar, with procedural delays being a major factor. However, the accumulated unspent budget is affecting government financial operations, prompting calls for improvement. A report by the National Assembly Budget Office highlighted KARI's low R&D budget execution rate and project stagnation, citing the 'Space Industry Cluster Triad System' initiative as a key example. Despite allocating 315.96 billion won for the cluster projects between 2024 and 2025, KARI executed only 6.1% (19.35 billion won), with most funds going to personnel costs and research facility equipment spending at 0.5% execution. The agency attributed the delays to delayed business plan reviews, while the Budget Office warned that unspent funds could lead to missed opportunities and distorted fiscal prioritization. The delayed KPS satellite navigation system launch schedule and persistent low execution rates further underscore systemic issues.