Park Jang-hyun, the Director of the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, announces a plan to build an independent space telescope, developing over 70% of it using domestic technology, on the 10th./Courtesy of Hong Ah-reum.

Park Jang-hyun, the Director of the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASSI), announced plans to build an independent space telescope that will be more than 70% developed using domestic technology. The goal is to achieve the first launch within the next five years while aiming for both technological independence and enhanced space observation capabilities.

During a meeting held on 10th in Jongno District, Seoul, Park noted, "We will make the space telescope a new brand for KASSI," adding, "The telescope body will be designed and manufactured using domestic technology, and we will use domestic technology for the launch vehicle if possible. If it is not feasible, we may use foreign launch vehicles, but we will choose the most independent method possible within the scope of our capabilities."

KASSI is focusing on the development of an optical-based space telescope. This year, it plans to establish a roadmap in cooperation with the Korea Aerospace Administration. Park commented, "The budget is expected to be around 50 billion to 80 billion won, and we believe the first launch can be possible within five years," adding, "We already have a significant portion of the necessary technology, and we anticipate that the only shortcoming is experience. We can elevate our technology level through actual projects."

He further stated, "Experimental projects need to accumulate to establish an industrial foundation," noting that the space telescope project could play a significant role in verifying parts developed in the space environment and enhancing the reliability and usability of domestic technology. He also mentioned that while international cooperation is important, we need more independent development programs that can build technological and industrial foundations rather than just cooperation that leaves behind papers.

KASSI has also undertaken restructuring its research system and organization based on the 'Long-term Vision 2070' established to mark its 50th anniversary last year. The main business will shift to a more practical operation system centered on major projects, planning to reduce the number of projects to around 20 by 2026. The aim is to focus on research that could yield significant results.

Park mentioned that the organizational structure has been restructured from the existing optical, radio, and space focus into four mission-based research departments, stating, "The departments for basic astronomy research, space science exploration, space information research, and observation infrastructure operation are also kept open to the possibility of developing into independent research institutes in the long run."

The Basic Astronomy Research Department will cover basic scientific research encompassing cosmology, the evolution of stars and the sun. The Space Science Exploration Department is an organization that oversees space exploration and observations, referencing the Goddard Space Flight Center of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which conducts space telescope projects like Hubble and James Webb. The Space Information Research Department focuses on near-Earth space issues such as solar activities, space debris, and space positioning, while the Observation Infrastructure Operation Department manages observational infrastructure comprehensively.

Park announced plans to strengthen collaboration with corporations. He said, "Similar to the case of testing durability by carrying Samsung Electronics and SK hynix semiconductors on the CubeSat 'K-RadCube', I will actively seek out small and medium-sized enterprise partners to create collaboration models."