우리별 위성개발(衛星開發)과 우주개발정책(宇宙開發政策)의 과제(課題)

Development of KITSAT. The First Korean Satellite and Space Development Strategy

Application of space technology in the field of communication and remote sensing becomes increasingly important in human life. Advancement of communications means shinks the size of our globe and that of remote sensing techniques improves the quality of human well-being. It is a world trent for each country to make its best effort in advancing its capabilities in these fields sometimes independently and other times jointly with other nations. Korea being no exception to this world trend is planning various starategies in application and development of space technologies. However, unfortunately, Korea is a new commer in this field. Statellite Technology Research Center (SaTReC) of Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) initiated to aquire satellite technology by sending its graduates abroad in 1989. As a result KITSAT-1 was launched in 1992 and KITSAT- 2 was launched in 1993 and they became Korea's first two satellites in orbits. Academic program including On-the Job-Training for Korean students at the University of Surrey, UK, is also an innovative scheme of mixing education and practical know-how for successful technology transfer, which resulted in a small but very capable and effective satellite experts group in Korea for self-propelled research and development in space activities. In this context, space development strategy should be considered in terms of the following factors; (1). Participation in international space activities as an active member to utilize international organization and to contribute to the peaceful use of space, (2). Development of national defence structure for independent activities in space, (3). Enhancement of manpower utilization for space development and promotion of national pride and (4). Education of youngsters for the extension of intellectual activities into the limitless space. In order to make very costly space development project most efficient, governmental level space development organization directed by the head of nation should be established and should manage all space development programs making full use of its all available resources including the advantage of the university based R&D capability.