A preliminary model of the Arirang-1 satellite, which laid the groundwork for Korea's space development, and the country's first research reactor have been designated national science heritage.
On the 9th, the National Science Museum said it registered 11 items, including KARI's "Multi-purpose practical satellite (Arirang satellite) No. 1 protoflight model" and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI)'s "TRIGA Mark II research reactor," as National Important Science and Technology Materials (national science heritage).
The National Important Science and Technology Materials registration system was introduced in 2019 to systematically register, preserve and manage materials with high historical and educational value in science and technology that should be passed down to future generations.
The Arirang-1 satellite protoflight model and the TRIGA Mark II were each listed as national industrial heritage in the industrial technology field.
First, the Arirang-1 satellite protoflight model is regarded as the satellite platform that enabled Korea to independently observe the entire Earth for the first time. The TRIGA Mark II is Korea's first research reactor, introduced in 1959.
In addition, artifacts from the "Bigyeok Jincheolloe," a time-fused explosive from the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592, including the only excavated item with its lid identified, and materials from the first overwintering research activities at the King Sejong Station in Antarctica were also recognized for their historical value and registered as national science heritage.