Lawmaker Lee Ju-hee of the Democratic Party of Korea stated, "The budget for space demonstration projects must be increased to build space AI DCs (artificial intelligence data centers) and other infrastructure." The Space Agency allocated only 2.1 billion won for ground-based demonstrations in its 2027 budget proposal related to the 'K-Moonshot' project. Lee argued that it is urgent to conduct demonstrations in orbit in order to produce and utilize space components manufactured by domestic companies.
Lee Ju-hui (Rep.) attended the Science and Information Communications Technology Korea Communications Commission national audit held at the Seoul Yeouido National Assembly on the 13th, stating to Woo Ju (Commissioner) Oh Tae-seok, "The world has entered a competition to launch data centers into space," and made this announcement.
Lee Ju-hui (Rep.) said, "US-based Starcloud already demonstrated training of small AI models in space orbit last November, and Google launched a test satellite for a project containing an AI DC concept on October 1." He added, "SpaceX has stated that it will build one million (related) satellites in the long term, among other things, and is moving at an incredible speed."
He continued, "The Space Agency announced that it will launch a verification platform satellite using Nuri only in 2030, five years from now," pointing out, "Next year's budget for space data centers includes only 2.1 billion won for core technologies." Lee (Rep.) stated, "Even that (next year's budget) is limited to ground-based verification of thermal power control technology," adding, "Space components cannot enter the supply chain without a track record of actual operation in orbit, so-called 'space heritage.'"
Lee (Rep.) emphasized the need for an increase in the budget, stating, "This verification budget must be increased starting immediately next year, and procedures related to verification must be initiated quickly."
In response, Song Ki-heon, chair of the Science and Communications Committee, said, "It is a part that requires very rapid allocation and execution in practice," requesting, "Please prepare detailed plan explanations and logic regarding urgency and feasibility so that sufficient budget can be secured."
Oh Tae-seok (Commissioner) stated, "The market related to space AI data centers is growing, so we must conduct demonstrations quickly." He added, "In fact, the budget for K-verification satellites was not reflected. Please actively review it during the budget deliberation process. We will prepare well."
in TECH
