[Korea.net News, Science / Tech, February 17 2008] Space development, Korean dream and hope

By Kim Chang-woo
Director General for Space Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology

Korea is set to have a monumental year for space development in 2008. The first Korean astronaut with the Korean flag on his chest will perform space science experiments in the International Space Station in April. Korea’s first space center which is the outpost for space exploration will be completed in Goheung, Jeollanam-do in September. Also, Korean Space Launch Vehicle will be launched from our space center in December.

Although Korea began to invest in space development 30 to 40 years later than other space powers, we have already experienced good results in the space field. We have started to develop space technology, launching the first Korean satellite KITSAT 1 in 1992, followed by 11 other satellites including KOMPSATs, STSATs, and Korea Satellites. From developing a sounding rocket KSR-3 with a liquid rocket engine in 2002, we acquired the fundamental technology for further space science. Additionally, we have successfully developed and launched KOMPSAT 2 in 2006 which provides Earth with high resolution images.