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Korea’s First Nanosatellite Center Pioneers Aerospace Research
Korea’s First Nanosatellite Center Pioneers Aerospace Research

Yonsei advances aerospace research with Korea’s first Nanosatellite Center


Yonsei University officially opened the Nanosatellite Center on campus this year — a first in Korea. In collaboration with Yonsei’s leading research labs, the center is expected to significantly contribute to the development of aerospace in Korea.


The study of outer space is currently one of the most compelling and innovative fields around the world. By utilizing satellites, research institutes and organizations are actively conducting earth observation activities, space research, experiments in science and technology, and solar system exploration. With the tremendous growth in the launch of small satellites in recent years, the mass production of nanosatellites became possible due to cost reduction and the improved performance of high-integration components. With this advancement, private companies and universities are now able to develop and operate satellites independently.


In response to the advent of nanosatellites and their increasing application in science and technology and real life, Yonsei University established the Nanosatellite Center within its Aerospace Strategy & Technical Institute.


Headed by Sang-Young Park of the Department of Astronomy, the center is comprised of research labs based on field: Space Flight Control (Sang-Young Park), Nonlinear Optical Research (Seung-han Park, Department of Physics), Super-Resolution Image Processing (Moon-gi Kang, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering), and Radar Systems and Wave Sensing (Min-ho Ka, School of Integrated Technology).


The Nanosatellite Center conducts innovative research in satellite hardware production, satellite control, mission analysis, and satellite ground control. Recently, its research spectrum has expanded to include satellite optical systems, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems, and satellite image processing technologies, thus reflecting the increase in theoretical research and real-life application of nanosatellite technologies.


Last January, the center launched the CANYVAL-X nanosatellite in the Earth’s orbit — a collaborative nanosatellite technology constellation of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Yonsei University and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute designed to make science measurements via a “virtual” telescope by aligning two satellites along an inertial line of sight to a distant target (e.g., the sun). The Center is currently developing the CANYVAL-C nanosatellite, which is expected to launch in two years.


“Nanosatellites are rising as a cutting-edge industry in the millennial era, and we will prioritize in developing new technologies to take a leading role in its future development,” said Professor Sang-yeong Park. “We expect to make significant contributions in major nanosatellite projects to be implemented by the government.”


Regarding future goals, he added, “We will further develop Korea’s aerospace industry for the future society by directly producing and operating nanosatellites for reconnaissance, emergency and disaster surveillance, space science, ground observation, as well as providing convenience in people’s everyday lives.”


The official opening ceremony of the Nanosatellite Center was held at Chang Ki-won International Conference Hall on August 29 in the presence of Yonsei graduate students and senior academics, including Seung-han Park, Dean of the Yonsei Graduate School, Kwang-hoon Sohn, Director of the Aerospace Strategy & Technical Institute, and Seong-soo Yeom, Dean of the College of Science.



<Originally published on September 30, 2018>

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