한국항공우주연구원

Achievements for the Year and Future Plans

During the past year, Yi So-yeon shared her experiences as an astronaut and the outcomes of her space experiments through 98 lectures (Averaging 11 per month for about 27,000 people) as well as 89 press interviews and appearances. Notably, she gave 65 lectures to teenagers and delivered lectures in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology including special lectures at science fairs, which led to heightened youth interest in science and technology.

She had a meeting with Dr. Mohri, the first Japanese astronaut, to discuss areas of cooperation and joined the signing ceremony at the Science Museum of Japan last March. She contributed to enhancing the self-esteem of Koreans living overseas by giving lectures at Tokyo and Osaka area Korean schools, as well as to Korean students and residents in New York. The first astronaut of Korea also attended the 2008 IAC Congress in the UK and the U.S. road show for promotion of the 2009 IAC in Korea, scheduled to be held in Daejeon this October.

In addition, she actively participated in science fairs and events such as the Korea Science Festival and the 2008 Christmas Science Concert, appeared on TV programs including the Golden Bell Challenge, published three books on space science, and produced and distributed three DVDs for science education. Through these activities, Ms. Yi made a significant contribution to science education and enhanced public awareness of science.

Her contributions can be seen in last year’s survey of 500 adults and 500 teenagers, in which 86.8% of adults and 79.0% of teenagers responded that the first Korean astronaut project led to their heightened preference towards engineering and science majors.

Meanwhile, the 18 experiments the astronaut carried out in the International Space Station were very meaningful in science and education and useful to industry. This is clearly shown by six completed theses and presentations, nine more in progress, one publication at the SCI-level (3 more being prepared), and 4 patent registrations. In particular, it is expected that the projects, “Experiment on the Growth of Zeolite Crystals”, “Development of Telescope using MEMS technology,” and “Development of Space Scale” will result in significant outcomes in basic science and develop equipment that will be used in space for continuing research in the future.

The achievements and utilization plans of the space experiments will be reported in September 2009. After further deliberation, their usefulness in the aerospace industry will be determined, and if appropriate, relevant authorities will give support to them through follow-up tasks.

Other than the 18 experiments Dr. Yi conducted, 14 new tasks were formulated in January 2009, and due to be discussed is an international joint research with JAXA of Japan and NASA of the U.S.

In commemoration of the science month in April, Dr. Yi is scheduled twice to explain exhibitions to visitors, on Tuesday, April 4 and Tuesday, April 21. This will be the ‘Special Exhibition celebrating the 1st Year Anniversary of the 1st Korean Astronaut,” held in the Gwacheon National Science Museum. She is also planned to give a lecture on April 23 and lead discussions with teenagers.

She will also attend local events for the science month, such as the Kumdori Science Festival at the Daejeon Expo on April 10, the Jeonbuk Science Parade at the Jeonbuk provincial complex on April 17, and the Space Plants Fair in Anmyeondo on April 24, to raise public awareness of science.

Along with these, a contest for teenagers on exciting space experiment items will be held from April 21 through September. Certificates and prizes will be awarded to selected items and the winners will be given an opportunity to