The Growing Value of the Lunar Surface and the Urgent Need for Korea’s Independent Exploration Capabilities
Advancements in technology and new observational data have led to a reassessment of the Moon’s value across diverse sectors—scientific, economic, industrial, and security. With global initiatives expanding lunar science, including in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), surface infrastructure and habitation, and surface mobility, the value of the lunar surface is expected to continue to increase. Securing autonomous lunar exploration capabilities is urgently required to enter the rapidly expanding lunar market and claim a stake in this high-value domain. Failure to act now will likely result in an expanding technological gap and heightened barriers to entry, ultimately leading to the loss of competitiveness and market opportunities. Major spacefaring nations are securing lunar exploration technologies through long-term national roadmaps, while emerging countries are gradually progressing from basic small-scale missions to soft landing capabilities and, eventually, large and complex integrated missions. As lunar missions become increasingly complex and costly, international collaboration is gaining importance as a means to ensure sustainable exploration. To participate in these joint programs on equal footing, Korea must possess indigenous capabilities that enable mutually beneficial cooperation.