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(Yonhap Interview) S. Korea aims to bridge space tech gap in 10 years: KARI chief
By Lee Joon-seung
SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea aims to bridge the gap in rocket and satellite technology with leading countries in the field of space exploration over the next decade by ramping up research and development and expanding cooperation with foreign agencies, the head of a state aerospace institute said Friday.
Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) President Lee Joo-jin said that while the country currently relies on foreign assistance to send a satellite-bearing rocket into orbit, continued research and development efforts and cooperative tie-ups with foreign space agencies should allow it to become more independent.
"In the medium and low altitude satellite fields, the country has reached 80 percent capability vis-a-vis leading countries like the United States and Russia, while the gap stands at roughly 40 percent for geosynchronous (an orbital period that matches the rotation rate of the Earth) and communication satellites," Lee said in a interview with Yonhap News Agency.
South Korea began sending up communication and scientific satellites in the early 1990s, and can now make sophisticated multipurpose machines with powerful cameras.
The difference in rocket-related capabilities is greater since the country does not have the technology needed to make a powerful liquid fuel rocket.
"Despite such shortcomings, the goal is to attain 90 percent capabilities in satellites over the next decade, with rough parity being reached once Seoul develops an indigenous rocket by 2018," he said on the eve of the country hosting the 60th International Astronautical Congress (IAC).
Lee pointed out that while the first rocket launched in late August was a "half-success," the government has reflected space development funds in next year's budget. The Korea Space Launch Vehicle-1 (KSLV-1) that blasted off successfully from Naro Space Center 485km south of Seoul failed to deploy its satellite payload into proper orbit.
Besides the funds to be spent in 2010, Seoul has pledged to spend 24 billion won (US$20.5 million) over the next three years on developing the space exploration field, with more funds to be made available down the line.
To help reduce the gap with leading nations, Lee said the country needs to showcase advances it has made in the past and its ability to use information technology for space exploration purposes.
"The goal is to show that the country has gained valuable experience in making satellites and sending up the KSLV-1," Lee said. He said that such knowhow can be used as collateral to forge cooperative arrangements with other countries.
The KARI head said Seoul plans to play a role in the International Space Station project in the short term, in addition to working with other countries to explore the moon and develop manned spaceships.
Without going into specifics, he said cooperation will be sought with organizations like the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
He added, meanwhile, that the annual IAC to be held in the central city of Daejeon will permit local scientists, laboratories and businesses to establish contacts with foreign aerospace agencies and the world's foremost experts in space exploration.
Such interaction has the potential to facilitate the sharing of information and to open a new chapter in international cooperation that is vital to South Korea's efforts to make headway in this field.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)
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