KASA Holds a Meeting with Research Institutions on Lunar Surface Exploration
- Overview of research institutions related to lunar exploration and meetings with institution heads -
The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) Vice Administrator of Mission Directorates, John Lee, began the new year with a visit to three government-funded research institutions on Thursday, January 9, 2025: the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI, President Joo Han-gyu), the Korea institute of Fusion Energy (KFE, President Oh Yeong-kook), and the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM, President Lee Pyeong-koo). During the visit, he met with the heads and researchers of the institutions.
The purpose of the visits was to assess the status of research conducted at these institutions on lunar exploration and to collect opinions related to space exploration.
The first stop was KAERI, a comprehensive research institute focusing on R&D on nuclear energy. During the visit, the vice administrator toured research facilities related to nuclear batteries necessary for long-term lunar missions, as well as space reactor heat pipes and rovers. The researchers at KAERI have requested KASA's support in facilitating the application of advanced technologies such as nuclear batteries for lunar exploration missions.
Next, KFE, responsible for fusion energy and plasma technology development, shared updates on the state and plans for Korea's fusion technology. The discussion also included the potential use of helium-3, one of the core lunar resources, for power generation.
Finally, KIGAM, which specializes in geological surveys and underground resource exploration, presented their lunar resource extraction research facilities and shared results from their gamma-ray spectrometer currently conducting missions in lunar orbit. Researchers emphasized the importance of in-situ resource utilization technologies for lunar exploration and suggested that KASA should establish policies for lunar resource exploration, creating opportunities for future space resource development technologies.
John Lee, Vice Administrator of Mission Directorates of KASA, stated, "We plan to continue close communication and collaboration with key institutions responsible for space science and exploration research and development to secure independent lunar surface exploration capabilities and participate in lunar-based space economic activities."
For further information, please contact the Lunar Lander Program (Phone: +82-55-856-5151) of the Korea AeroSpace Administration.