Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute

The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) is a research institute that focuses on nuclear energy R&D, including nuclear reactors, fuel cycles, and new energy technologies. KAERI is actively involved in developing nuclear power sources for space exploration, including radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) and nuclear batteries, with the goal of lunar surface exploration by 2032. They collaborate with organizations like the University of Leicester and the National Nuclear Laboratory on radioisotope power systems research and are working to localize thermoelectric element production, a key component of nuclear batteries. KAERI also advises the South Korean government on its space medicine program.