A task force to handle the nation’s space defense projects has begun operation.  

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration(DAPA) announced the mobilization of the task force on Thursday, noting it will lay the legal and institutional groundwork for the space defense sector. 

It will also establish a comprehensive “master plan” covering all aspects including institution, technology, industry, facility and infrastructure through discussions with related government agencies and share the outcomes with related industries. 

The task force consists of officials from the Defense Ministry, Joint Chiefs of Staff, DAPA, Agency for Defense Development, Korea Research Institute for Defense Technology Planning and Advancement and other agencies. 

DAPA said around 16 trillion won will be invested in the space defense sector over the next ten years, including one-point-six trillion won into the development of core technologies for defense satellites.

The launch of the new apparatus came after Seoul and Washington terminated missile guidelines in May that have long restricted South Korea’s missile development.