S. Korea's science minister visits Indian space agency

SEOUL, Jan. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's science minister visited India's
state-run space organization on Wednesday and discussed ways to expand bilateral
cooperation in the cutting-edge field, South Korean officials said.

Ahn Byong-man met with K. Radhakrishnan, chairman of the Indian Space Research
Organization (ISRO), in the southern city of Bangalore, to exchange views on
follow-up measures for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on Monday, the
officials at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said.
The MOU to promote peaceful use of space was agreed to by the Korea Aerospace
Research Institute (KARI) and ISRO on the sidelines of South Korean President Lee
Myung-bak's visit to India.
"Minister Ahn stressed that Seoul wants improved ties with India in the space
exploration field that can benefit both sides," the ministry said in a press
release. It added the policymaker toured the Indian agency's satellite
manufacturing facilities, testing center and talked to technicians there.
The visit by the official is part of an ongoing effort by Seoul to catch up with
space exploration leaders in the development of satellites, launch vehicles and
related manufacturing and research infrastructure.
South Korea, a late starter in the space exploration arena, launched its first
locally-assembled rocket from its soil last year.
The government said that in order to meet its target of sending a locally
manufactured rocket and satellite into space after 2018, it needs to work closely
with foreign countries.
India began its own space program relatively early, setting up the ISRO in 1969.
It has since launched a fleet of rockets and satellites into space and sent an
unmanned probe to the Moon in 2008. Another is planned for after 2011.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)

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