"Apophis Exploration is the 'Hwaryongjeomjeong' of Korea's Independent Space Development Capability"

At the Preliminary Feasibility Study Planning Public Hearing on the 25th, Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute's Claim

Image of the Apophis probe. Provided by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] "If the 2029 Apophis asteroid exploration succeeds, it will be the 'finishing touch' that completes South Korea's independent space development capabilities."

It has been pointed out that South Korea must proceed with the planned 2029 Apophis asteroid exploration in order to catch up with major space powers and secure its share in lunar pioneering by establishing independent space development capabilities.

Dr. Choi Young-jun of the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute asserted this on the afternoon of the 25th at the "Planning Public Hearing for the Preliminary Feasibility Study of the Apophis Asteroid Close Exploration Project" hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT and others.

In this regard, the government plans to proceed with the "Apophis Asteroid Close Exploration Project," led by the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, to send a probe to the Apophis asteroid, which will come closest to Earth in 2019, to investigate changes before and after its approach to Earth. The project period is from 2024 to 2030, with an investment of approximately 387.38 billion KRW. The goal is to develop the probe body, payload, and a 4-stage solid kick motor, launch independently using an upgraded Nuri rocket, and develop technologies for asteroid rendezvous flight, deep space navigation, and deep space communication.

Apophis probe operation plan. Provided by Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute

At the public hearing, Dr. Choi explained the background and necessity of the project, stating that South Korea is currently at a point where deep space exploration projects are needed. With the success of the Nuri rocket test launch, the development of multiple satellites, and the lunar orbiter project, partial space exploration technologies have been completed, and now it is time to undertake deep space exploration projects to complete independent space development capabilities.

Dr. Choi argued that such space exploration technology is necessary to strengthen national comprehensive space hazard response capabilities as the potential risks of space object collisions and Earth impacts increase.

If the asteroid exploration succeeds, South Korea is expected to secure a substantial stake in the lunar development project, namely the Artemis project, which is being jointly pursued internationally with the United States. Amid increasingly depleted resources and environmental destruction, it will lay the foundation for future space development by securing infinite resources in space and resolving environmental issues.

Accordingly, Dr. Choi stated, "The Apophis exploration is a great opportunity to advance domestic space technology," and pointed out that "to observe the site when it approaches Earth in April 2029, development must begin in 2024 and the launch must take place by October 2027."

Conceptual Diagram of Apophis Escort Flight Operation. Provided by Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute

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