Korea aims to space

The government said South Korea will spend 11.5 billion won ($ 11.8 million) this year to enhance the competitiveness of the Korean aerospace equipment industry.

Bohyunsan Astronomical Observatory (Korea) - ( Photo: Korean Space and Space Science Institute-KASI )

The Ministry of Finance, Industry and Energy said the fund was divided into two parts: 9.1 billion won for 22 ongoing projects and 2.4 billion won for 10 new space space projects of the Association. Korean aerospace technology research done.

These upcoming projects include the development of gyroscopic control torque used in multi-purpose artificial satellites.

South Korea will also develop other advanced technologies used in helicopters and transport aircraft and commercialize these products.

Korea has poured 5.8 billion won into 91 projects since 2000, and is now completing technology development for 32 projects.

Korean candidates who want to become the first astronaut can register their applications in April

In the next month, healthy young men, regardless of male and female citizens, will be invited to become the nation's first astronaut. In a Ministerial meeting related to science held on Thursday (March 23), the Government has set a schedule to embark on a plan to bring a Korean to space in 2008. Choi Ki -hyuk, a researcher at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, who is in charge of the plan, said: ' After receiving applications starting next month, we will select 300 prospective candidates. this summer and then only select one person through many thorough screening processes . '

The first Korean astronaut will visit the foreign international space station, a Russian Soyuz spacecraft and stay there for about 10 days in April 2008. Last year South Korea planned to begin the work, aimed at raising people's interest in space development, but this plan was temporarily postponed due to lack of funding. The government is seeking funds to provide about 6 billion won ($ 6.15 million) in three years, while attracting private companies to provide financial support.

Researcher Choi said that Korean youths who are 19 years of age or older can register and candidates' required standards will be announced next month.

Mr. Choi said ' Candidates must be between 150 and 190 cm in height from 50 ~ 95 kg. They have to undergo eye examination and check the correct vision '.

He added that English proficiency will be considered in the assessment table and no candidate has a prior conviction.

About 10% of the 300 successful candidates will go through the second round - a writing test of contemporary events, background check and health examination.

Then, the Government-sponsored agency will make two short lists, a list of 10 people and a list of 5 people will be sent to Russia later this year. Russia will select the last two. The two men were trained for one year at the Russian Gagarin Yuri astronaut training center and the only one chosen to be an astronaut