SSP25 – Week 5
Written by TA Prathmesh Barapatre
From advanced aerospace innovation to ancient palaces nestled in serene cityscapes, the past week in South Korea has been a thrilling blend of science, culture, and inspiration for all SSP25 participants.
Immersive Field Visits to Korea’s Space Powerhouses
These two days were dedicated to diving deep into Korea’s impressive space capabilities, with specialized tracks for the APP (Applications), SCI (Science), and HUM (Humanities) departments.
APP Track
Participants visited the prestigious Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and the Naro Space Center, where we explored launch vehicle systems, satellite integration, and Korea’s bold vision for future missions. The cutting-edge facilities, surrounded by the scenic coastal region of Goheung, truly brought space launch systems to life.
SCI Track
Science enthusiasts journeyed through a lineup of key institutions:
- KASI (Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute)
- KARI (Korea Aerospace Research Institute)
- KIGAM (Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources)
- A rare visit to the VLBI radiotelescope near Seoul gave a stellar glimpse into Korea’s role in space observation and deep-space communication.
Group Excursions on 28 July
The cohort was further split into specialized groups:
The ENG, HUM, and PEL departments embarked on a comprehensive journey through Korea’s leading space and research institutions. The day began with visits to KICT (Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology) and KT SAT, where participants explored the intersection of infrastructure development and satellite telecommunications in the space industry. The exploration continued at KARI and KIGAM, diving into cutting-edge aerospace research and Earth sciences. The day concluded with enriching discussions at KASI and another session at KARI, focusing on astronomical missions and advancements in satellite development.
Interdisciplinary Workshop Day
Each department had its own unique program, emphasizing creativity and application:
- Engineering (ENG): A hands-on Rocket Workshop followed by Build Your Own Satellite sessions sparked innovation and design thinking.
- Human Performance in Space (HPS): A captivating module on Space Pharmacology showed how microgravity affects drug design and health.
- Policy, Economics, and Law (PEL): Explored Entrepreneurship and Policy in Space, discussing regulatory frameworks and startup ecosystems.
Eyes in the Sky – Drone Workshop
The APP department took flight—literally—with a full-day Drone Workshop, learning flight mechanics, mapping, and real-time data applications. It was an exciting reminder of how space technologies influence our skies here on Earth.
Theme Day – Dual-Use Space & Moon Exploration
A thought-provoking Theme Day brought all departments together under two central themes:
- Dual-Use Space Technologies: Examining the overlap of civil and defense applications in space systems.
- Moon Exploration: Discussing Korea’s lunar goals and global efforts toward sustainable Moon missions.
Science, Culture, and Reflection
- APP participants relaxed at Namsan Park, followed by geocaching activity at the iconic Gyeongbokgung Palace, immersing in Korea’s royal history while performing ground truth exercise and having fun with geo-caching.
- SCI + HUM enjoyed an educational day at Gwacheon Science Museum & Planetarium, connecting past cosmic discoveries with future dreams.
Rocket Launch Competition
We wrapped up the week with an exhilarating Rocket Launch Competition, showcasing the hard work and engineering brilliance of the ENG department teams who had been developing their rockets over the past few weeks. The launches were overseen by Flight Director Jedrzej Gorski, with guidance and support from John Connolly and the Department Chair Daneil, making it a thrilling finale filled with precision, teamwork, and sky-high excitement.
Final Thoughts
The week was more than just visits and workshops—it was a convergence of passion, curiosity, and collaboration. Whether we were launching rockets, studying Earth from orbit, or simply walking through centuries-old palaces, one thing became clear: space unites us all.
Here’s to more learning, more dreaming, and more stars in our eyes. 🌠
