John Lee, Former Senior NASA Executive, Appointed as Inaugural Head of Space Aviation Agency Mission Headquarters
John Lee, a former senior NASA executive, has been appointed as the inaugural Mission Headquarters Director of the Space Aviation Agency, receiving unprecedented treatment equivalent to that of a presidential level. Lee expressed his commitment to actively contributing to the development of Korea's space aviation sector.
On the 24th, through the Ministry of Science and ICT, Lee stated, "Based on nearly 30 years of experience at NASA and the U.S. White House, I will do my best to activate cooperation between countries and institutions, discover projects where we have global strengths, and lead research and development to secure the capabilities needed."
Lee added, "The path to the future of space aviation cannot be traveled alone. Having recently collaborated with domestic research institutions, I have thoroughly considered how the Space Aviation Agency can elevate our country to a leading aerospace power through cooperation with global nations."
The Mission Headquarters Director of the Space Aviation Agency holds a vice-ministerial level position but is a key role within the agency, with a salary set at 250 million KRW, equivalent to a presidential level.
Professor Yoon Young-bin of Seoul National University's Department of Aerospace Engineering, appointed as the inaugural Administrator of the Space Aviation Agency (from left), John Lee, former senior executive at NASA, appointed as the Grade 1 Director of the Space Aviation Mission Headquarters, and Noh Kyung-won, Director of Research and Development Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, appointed as Deputy Administrator of the Space Aviation Agency, are attending the personnel briefing held on the 24th at the Yongsan Presidential Office building in Seoul, listening to the introductory remarks by Sung Tae-yoon, Chief of Policy at the Presidential Office. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Born in 1956, Lee holds a bachelor's degree in Biology from UC San Diego and a master's degree in Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University. He began working at NASA in 1992. Over 29 years at NASA, he served as HelioPhysics Project Manager, Director of Satellite Integration Management at Goddard Space Flight Center, and Senior Advisor, managing major space programs. He also worked as the head of IT policy at the U.S. White House Office of Management and Budget. Currently, he serves as a senior consultant at the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute.
An industry insider stated, "Lee has consistently monitored trends in Korea's space industry and attended international conferences to acquire the latest information. He was very passionate about Korea, even actively assisting Korean personnel during their visits to NASA."
Alongside Lee, the inaugural Agency Director and Deputy Director were also announced. Professor Youngbin Yoon of Seoul National University was appointed as the first Space Aviation Agency Director, and Kyungwon Noh, Director of R&D Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, was appointed as Deputy Director. Both have been dedicated to space-related research and policy development in academia and government.
Director Yoon expressed, "Based on expertise in space transportation and exploration, including the development of Nuri and Danuri, I will build a Space Aviation Agency that inspires dreams and hope for future generations and transforms the real lives of the people."
Deputy Director Noh stated, "Together with passionate staff, I will work hard to achieve results in space aviation technology development and industry promotion as outlined in the special law for the Space Aviation Agency, create a flexible organizational model based on expertise, and drive regional innovation in collaboration with local communities."
The official terms for the appointed Director, Deputy Director, and Headquarters Director will begin on the agency's launch date, the 27th of next month. Although the control tower was formed just a month before the launch, this will accelerate the establishment process of the Space Aviation Agency.
Before the official term starts, the appointees must resolve numerous tasks, including selecting senior executives and foreign contract employees for the agency. Particularly, despite government efforts, the number of applicants for foreign staff positions fell far short of expectations. At the end of last year, former First Vice Minister of Science and ICT, Seongkyung Cho, visited major space development agencies in the U.S. and France, making recruitment efforts among local Korean diaspora employees, but results were minimal. To secure outstanding talent to lead the agency's initial direction, senior officials must take direct action.
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