한국항공우주연구원

Korea Aerospace Research Institute(KARI) and Korea Aerospace University(KAU) have agreed to jointly establish a Space Graduate School(tentative name) providing master and doctorate degree programs to train personnel necessary for fundamental research in space technology as well as the domestic development of satellites and space launch vehicles(rockets).

KARI and KAU have played essential roles in aerospace science and technology research as well as in the development of human resources in this field. Both institutes have recognized the need for the systematic development of personnel in this field of future strategic importance. KARI and KAU are scheduled to sign an agreement of cooperation in the KARI Conference Hall, at 5:00 pm, August 7, 2008.

With the signing of the agreement, KARI and KAU have agreed to engage in a joint endeavor to establish a Space Graduate School, which will educate talented personnel in space-related fields, such as satellite system engineering, space launch vehicle engineering, and space robotic engineering. It is expected that the new Space Graduate School will open in 2009.

A preparation committee will soon be formed to pursue the establishment of the Space Graduate School. All details concerning the establishment of the school including the management of the graduate school, the opening of degree courses, and budget financing will be determined by the preparation committee.

Since the first Korean astronaut traveled into space in April this year, there has been a need for Korea to participate in various international joint cooperative projects for space exploration. In this context, the initiative for the joint establishment of a Space Graduate School by KARI and KAU is expected to make a concrete contribution to research and development in fundamental space technologies necessary for the future.