The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) says it has developed a lunar landing module solely with domestic technology.

Weighing 25 kilograms and with a height of 40 centimeters, the module has the capability to land an object that weighs around 20 kilograms on the moon.

The development comes as many advanced countries, including the United States, are shunning the transfer of lunar-landing technology to other countries.

Researchers at the institute say the development of the module could move up South Korea’s plans to explore the moon.