Gangseo-gu to Hold Special 'Aerospace Week' Program from May 23 to 29

Gangseo-gu, Seoul will hold a special aerospace week program at the Gangseo Starlight Space Science Center on May 23. Ahead of Aerospace Day (May 27), the event is designed to give children and adults alike an up-close experience of space.

Promotional poster. Provided by Gangseo-gu.

Aerospace Day is a national commemorative day established by the government last year to mark the opening of the Korea Aerospace Administration. This year, the Korea Aerospace Administration declared May 23 to 29 as 'Aerospace Week' to boost public interest. In line with this, Gangseo-gu has prepared a full-day program around the science center, featuring hands-on booths, special lectures, and a public observation event.

The highlight of the day is a special lecture at 2 p.m. in the B1 Space Learning Zone. Kim Hyunjun, Senior Researcher in Launch Vehicle Development at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, will take the stage to share firsthand stories from launch vehicle development sites and discuss the future of the space industry. It will be a rare opportunity to hear directly from a researcher involved in launch vehicle development.

The daytime hours are tailored for children and family visitors. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., an 'Outdoor Library' in cooperation with the Gilkkot Children's Library will be open at the science center's front yard. Astronomy and space-related books, from picture books to technical volumes, will be available. There will also be interactive activities such as Jenga games, a space quiz, a photo zone, and bingo card making. At the experience booths in the same yard, visitors can enjoy 'Rocket Launch Experience' and 'DIY Space Crafting.'

At 1:30 p.m., the 'I Want to Be a Rocket Scientist Too!' workshop will be hosted at Cosmos Maru on the first floor for young children and their guardians. This short workshop lets participants learn the principles of rockets and try building their own. In the planetarium, there will also be special space-themed films and screenings with commentary.

After sunset, participants will have a chance to observe real stars. At 8 p.m., the 'Night Public Observation Session' will take place at the circular plaza of Banghwa Neighborhood Park, where anyone can use telescopes to view the Moon and Jupiter for free. However, the event may be canceled in case of cloudy weather or rain.

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