[Report] One Year of Danuri Moon Exploration Mission... 'The Dreams of Aspiring Scientists Also Grow'

Danuri Lunar Exploration 1-Year Achievements Exhibition Opens
Opportunity to Experience Advanced Technology at Korea's Highest Point

"I want to become a space scientist who creates Danuri."

Kang Yu-geon (5th grade, Sangpum Elementary School) is closely observing the Danuri model displayed at the 'Danuri's Spectacle 365 Exhibition,' held to commemorate the 1st anniversary of the Danuri mission operation at the Lotte World Tower Observatory Seoul Sky, together with his father Kang Soo-young. Photo by Baek Jong-min

Yugeon Kang, a 5th grader at Sangpum Elementary School in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, headed to Seoul early in the morning on the 26th, urging his father along. After applying for experiential learning at school, father and son went to Seoul Sky, the observation deck of Lotte World Tower in Seoul. They were there to view the "Danuri's Spectacular 365 Exhibition," which commemorates the first year of the mission of Korea's first lunar orbiter.

Photo by Baek Jongmin

While many students name doctors as their future dream, Kang, who aspires to be a space scientist, was captivated by the Danuri model displayed at the highest point in Korea.

Kang stood out among the international tourists. As if determined to take responsibility for the future of Korean science, he carefully absorbed not only the Danuri model but also various lunar photos taken by Danuri into his mind.

Coincidentally, an event was held that day to celebrate the 1st anniversary of Danuri's mission operation (December 27). Seongkyung Jo, the 1st Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, emphasized the significance of the event by saying, "Danuri, which has been excellently carrying out the lunar exploration mission for 365 days, is now meeting the public at Lotte World Tower, the closest place to the moon in Korea."

Photo by Baek Jongmin

From the underground starting point of the observation deck to the 120th-floor observatory, Danuri's achievements were exhibited throughout. International tourists visiting this place could also experience Korea's scientific technology.

In the elevator waiting area heading to the observatory on the basement 1st floor ticket office, the moment when SpaceX Falcon 9 launched Danuri into space from Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA, on August 5th last year was displayed.

Photo by Baek Jongmin

You can also watch the video of BTS's hit song "Dynamite," transmitted to Earth by Danuri through the space internet payload. The videos and communication content exchanged between Danuri and the ground, filling the walls, also attracted attention.

At the observatory, visitors can enjoy the panoramic view of Seoul along with ultra-high-definition photos taken by Danuri. High-resolution photos of lunar craters, Earth and the moon, an elemental map created from lunar observation data, and models of Danuri and Korea's first artificial satellite, Uri 1, await the audience.

The newly released full lunar map was created by mosaicking images observed with the world's first polarization camera (a camera utilizing polarization properties that allow only light vibrating in a specific direction to pass through), capturing not only the near side but also the far side of the moon.

Contrary to the original plan, Danuri's mission period has been extended by two years until the end of 2025. Daegwan Kim, Director of the Future Innovation Research Center at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, expressed expectations, saying, "Danuri plays an important role in Korea-US space cooperation and is expected to achieve even more results than in the past year."