The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), since its establishment in 1989, has been the driving force behind aerospace  research and development in Korea as the leading national R&D institute in this field.

KARI¡¯s R&D areas include state-of-the-art aircraft development, satellite development and space launch vehicle development. KARI is also responsible for the quality certification of aircraft and space equipment, mandated by the government.

Korea is about to join the ranks of advanced countries in the aerospace field. Korea launched its first astronaut in April 2008 and will become the 9th country to independently launch a satellite into space with the launch of KSLV-1 (Korea Space Launch Vehicle) in the first half of 2009 followed by the launch of the geostationary satellite, Communication Ocean and Meteorological Satellite (COMS). Korea will also be hosting the 2009 IAC(International Astronautical Congress) in Daejeon, Korea.

Two major government aircraft programs are in progress at KARI, the Korean Helicopter Development Program (KHP), involving the development of core dual-use components, and the Smart Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Development Program with full-scale flight testing of the aircraft.

In the area of space technology, after the successful launch of KSLV-¥° and COMS in the first half of 2009, we will be committed to the successful launch of KOMPSAT-5 (Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite-5) and STSAT-3 (Science and Technology Satellite-3) in 2010, and KOMPSAT-3 in 2011.

The 21st century is witness to increasing competition among countries in exploring the skies and outer space. Korea hopes to strengthen its capacity in the aerospace field in accordance with its position as one of the top 10 economies in the world. To this end, KARI is devoted to improving technological competitiveness in aerospace, contributing to technological independence and public well-being, and advancement into a world leading aerospace research institute.

We ask for your wholehearted support in pursuing our mission to contribute to the welfare of the nation as well as in achieving our goal of becoming a world class aerospace research institute.

KARI will promptly provide updates on the status of its R&D programs, management-related information and latest domestic and overseas aerospace information via our website.

President of KARI