Korea AeroSpace Administration said on the 27th that it held the "2nd Space and Aviation Day ceremony" at the Sacheon Korea AeroSpace Administration.
Space and Aviation Day is a national commemoration designated on May 27, 2024, to mark the opening of the Korea AeroSpace Administration. This year's ceremony was prepared to encourage contributors who helped advance the space and aviation sector over the past year and to raise public interest, marking the 2nd anniversary of the Korea AeroSpace Administration's opening.
About 100 people attended the event, including officials from central ministries and the National Assembly, industry-academia-research figures, and contributors to the space and aviation sector. The ceremony was held under the theme "our technology, our space, a new era of K-space."
At the ceremony, seven contributors to the development of space and aviation received government awards. One received the Order of Science and Technology Merit, one received the Order of Science and Technology Medal, two received presidential commendations, and three received prime ministerial commendations.
The Order of Science and Technology Merit went to Seo Hyeon-seok, head of the satellite research office at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). Seo was recognized for contributing to the localization of satellite technology by participating in major satellite developments, including the Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite, the next-generation mid-sized satellite, and the first Korean navigation satellite.
The Order of Science and Technology Medal went to Heo Hwan-il, a professor at Chungnam National University. Heo served as vice president of the Korean Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences and as a director of the Korean Society of Propulsion Engineers, and contributed to spreading space and aviation culture by running a rocket launch experience study group and a rocket experience education team.
Presidential commendations went to Kim Eun-hyeok, a principal researcher at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), and Lee Seung-yeong, a division head at LIG&Aerospace. Kim was recognized for laying the foundation for lunar exploration research through the development and operation of payloads for the lunar orbiter Danuri. Lee contributed to the development of advanced weapons systems by mass-producing high-performance observation equipment for fighter jets and localizing avionics.
Prime ministerial commendations went to Jang U-cheol, a principal researcher at Hyundai WIA, Jo Jung-hyeon, a principal researcher at the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI), and Im Chan-gyeong, a principal researcher at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI). Jang participated in localizing landing gear for major aircraft such as the KF-16, T-50, and Surion. Jo contributed to establishing a foundation for deep-space exploration through research on satellite orbits. Im oversaw the operation of ground facilities for the fourth launch of Nuri and participated in related technology transfers.
Oh Tae-seok, administrator of the Korea AeroSpace Administration, said, "I extend my deep respect and thanks to all the workers sweating day and night at industrial sites across the country," and added, "In step with the NewSpace era, in which the private sector leads space development, the Korea AeroSpace Administration will fully support researchers so they can immerse themselves in innovative research and challenges."