"Korean Space Telescope Developed with Domestic Technology to Launch in 2030"

Park Janghyun: "Optics-Based... 70% Localization"
Boosting Industrial Foundation and Commercialization of K-Components
Project Estimated at 50 to 80 Billion Won

The Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute has announced plans to launch a Korean space telescope as early as 2030. Park Janghyun, who was inaugurated as director of the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute in January, stated at a press conference held in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 10th, "We will begin full-scale development of a Korean space telescope, with more than 70% of its components utilizing our own technology." He added, "We already possess the technology to grind the mirrors that form the basis of the telescope and to design the telescope tube (the main body of the telescope)." A space telescope is a scientific instrument that conducts astronomical observations from space. The Korean space telescope is expected to be based on optical technology. This means it will collect light from celestial bodies or objects in the visible spectrum or magnify objects to observe their images.

Park Janghyun, director of the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, is explaining the Korean space telescope at a press conference held in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 10th. Photo by Jeon Youngju

A space telescope developed with domestic technology is significant for establishing an industrial base and creating a sustainable research environment. Director Park said, "Technologies used in space, such as satellite components, must undergo a verification process in space. It is difficult to test domestically produced components on satellites that cost hundreds of billions of won to launch, but with smaller projects like a space telescope, sufficient verification is possible."

For example, although Korea's battery technology is recognized worldwide, no satellite equipped with a Korean battery has ever been launched into space. He said, "More than one million satellites are scheduled to be launched within the next ten years. If we equip the Korean space telescope with a Korean battery and prove its performance, battery companies will be able to enter this market." He emphasized, "Such an industrial foundation is necessary to sustain space research."

The K-Drift (DRIFT) test model being observed. Photo by Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute

The institute estimates that developing the Korean space telescope will cost between 50 billion and 80 billion won. Director Park said, "In the second half of this year, we plan to utilize the 50cm-class wide-field optical telescope 'K-Drift (DRIFT)' that will be installed in Chile using Korean technology." This telescope, developed from the institute's own idea, can observe extremely faint light with a field of view of 20 square degrees, enough to capture about 100 full moons in a single frame. He explained, "Since we cannot immediately launch a space telescope costing hundreds of billions of won like the United States, we will address cost issues through such innovative ideas."

In addition, Director Park has reorganized the institute into four main pillars: basic astronomy, space exploration, space information, and observational infrastructure. He explained, "We will strengthen both public interest and expertise by balancing researchers' interests with national policy needs."