GIST hosts space technology development seminar

"GIST"s Rise Towards Space Exploration" Seminar was held on January 19, 2016, at Oryong Hall and included an expert from NASA"s Jet Propulsion Laboratory

The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) hosted a seminar to promote research related to space exploration with experts from Korea and abroad. The theme of the seminar was "GIST"s Rise Towards Space Exploration," and it was held on January 19, 2016, at Oryong Hall.

The seminar was hosted by GIST"s Dean of Research, Professor Heung-No Lee of the School of Information and Communications, who gave the seminar"s keynote address underscoring the importance of research related to the exploration of space.

Experts attending the seminar included Daegi Kim (Public Policy Research Manager for the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning), Gihyuk Choi (Korean Aerospace Research Institute Project Manager for Lunar Exploration), Dr. Insoo Chun (NASA"s Jet Propulsion Laboratory), GIST Professor Yong Hoon Kim (School of Mechatronics), and other experts. Presentations and discussions during the seminar included implementation plans for the development and improvement of space-related technologies and capabilities, the status of lunar exploration and planning, as well as GIST"s research strengths relevant to the field of space exploration.

GIST"s newfound focus on space-related technologies resulted in part when Professor Seung Hyeon Moon was selected to become the seventh president of GIST last March. During his inaugural address, President Moon stressed his vision for GIST"s greater research involvement in aerospace and defense related technologies in order to contribute the national welfare of Korea.

Yesterday afternoon on January 18, 2015, GIST President Seung Hyeon Moon toured the Naro Space Cencer and rocket launch facilities with Korea International Cooperation Agency President Young-mok Kim to share views and ideas about the prospects of future collaborative projects. GIST is actively pursuing closer relations with NASA"s Jet Propulsions Laboratory and Naro Space Center to develop international joint research projects.

GIST"s Dean of Research, Professor Heung-No Lee, said: "Interest—as well as market growth—in the commercial development of space continues to increase around the world, and Korea is also actively engaged in this endeavor to promote the peaceful use of space. To help ensure Korea"s competitive advantage in this area, GIST will continue to promote the research and development of key technologies that will have a central role in the field of space exploration and commercialization."