[New Year's Address] Minister Im Hye-sook: "Next Year, We Will Open the Era of 'Space Power Korea'"

Minister Lim Hyesook of MSIT's 2022 New Year's Address
Achievements of 'Nuriho' Launch Amid COVID-19 Challenges
Full-Scale Public-Private Space Development Cooperation Next Year

Minister Lim Hye-sook of the Ministry of Science and ICT is delivering opening remarks at the party-government meeting for the promotion of space development held at the National Assembly on the 10th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] Minister Lim Hye-sook mentioned the achievements of the first Korean launch vehicle 'Nuriho' launch this year in her 2022 New Year's address on the 31st, stating that next year she will "fully open the era of 'Space Power Korea'."

Minister Lim emphasized, "The Republic of Korea has seized the opportunity that came in the name of 'crisis,' and now we are taking one step further to prepare for the era of technological transformation after COVID-19," adding, "We must create new growth in the era of digital transformation and present hope."

To this end, the Ministry of Science and ICT plans to foster the top 10 essential national strategic technologies announced at the end of the year. It analyzes Korea's current position in advanced technology fields and devises strategies based on technological importance. Youth support policies will also be implemented without delay to support their challenges toward the world. Science and information and communication technology will be made to serve as the 'core engine.'

One of the key tasks, space development, will also be actively promoted next year. Minister Lim said, "This year was a year of joy and hope despite hardships," mentioning the Nuriho launch and the cloud-based vaccine reservation system. Nuriho, developed purely with Korean technology, is the first Korean launch vehicle born after more than 10 years of preparation. Not only researchers but also over 300 private companies joined forces. Although the entire flight process of Nuriho was carried out normally, the 7-ton class engine of the third stage prematurely shut down for unknown reasons, causing the satellite mock-up to fail to reach its intended orbit at the end, leaving a 2% shortfall.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Minister Lim stated, "We will do our utmost to ensure that Nuriho, thoroughly improved from the shortcomings of the first launch, reaches space in the name of the Republic of Korea," adding, "We will promote private sector and space development such as the Korean Positioning System (KPS) and lunar orbiter launches to fully open the era of Space Power Korea."

She said, "The year of Im In (壬寅年) is the year of the Black Tiger," adding, "Like the tiger symbolizing bravery and strength, next year Korea will regain vitality and stretch toward the future by continuing to promote future technology innovation and digital transformation."

She added, "We will continuously communicate on-site so that every corner of Korea and every citizen can have hearts that beat with passion and hope, and together create inclusive growth through science and technology and information and communication technology."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.