(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
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