The Science and Technology Ministry will establish an office within the year to oversee space development projects.

Science and Technology Minister Kim Woo-sik said Monday that the plan is part of the nation's efforts to join the world's top ten leaders in space development by 2015.

The ministry also said it will invite four astronaut hopefuls, who were recently eliminated from the running to become the nation’s first astronaut, to take part in the space projects, including astronaut training and education.