■ The world's greatest astronomical power, Joseon During the reign of King Sejong, 29 world-class scientific instruments were invented. During the same period, China had only 5, and Japan only 1. Of the 29 scientific instruments, 20 were astronomical instruments. Officials of the Gwan-Sang-Gam, an organization directly under the king, observed the sky every night and kept meticulous records. During the reign of King Yeongjo, the shape and size of Halley's Comet, as well as its angle from the North Pole, were observed and recorded. The Seongbyeon Deungrok, a compilation of Joseon's astronomical observation records, is being promoted for registration as a UNESCO World Documentary Cultural Heritage. Joseon was an astronomical power. The DNA of Joseon, the astronomical power, was passed on to the Republic of Korea, a 21st century space power. ■ The world's 7th largest space power, Republic of Korea In August 2022, the Republic of Korea's lunar probe Danuri was launched. Danuri, which has settled into orbit, is transmitting various information about the lunar surface. The Republic of Korea's space program for a lunar landing in 2032 and a Mars landing in 2045 is on track. In May 2023, the third launch of Nuri was successful. The third Nuri, a self-developed launch vehicle made with our own technology, also placed six of the eight practical satellites made with our own technology into a designated orbit. This was the seventh successful independent launch in the world. It is very significant that we have space launch vehicle technology whose transfer between countries is strictly controlled. The success of the independent launch vehicle was a great feat that was achieved through South Korea's 30 years of efforts toward space. ■ The Unfolding New Space Era Space has become an arena for fierce competition. It is expected that the space industry will reach 1,300 trillion won by 2045. The paradigm of the space economy is also changing. The new space era, a private-led space industry, is unfolding from state-led space development. At the center of this is the 30cm-tall ultra-small satellite. What do these ultra-small satellites do? We can confirm their infinite future value through the ultra-small satellites launched by Nuri. Not only ultra-small satellites, but also medium-sized satellites transferred to the private sector have world-class competitiveness. Satellites are a key field that will lead the future of the space powerhouse South Korea. ■Conditions for a space powerhouse South Korea What are the trends of advanced space powerhouses? France, which launched its first launch vehicle 40 years ago, is establishing and promoting consistent policies and space development directions centered around the National Center for Space Research (CNES). France, which is on the verge of completing a space probe, has about 2,500 experts working on space development. Their systematic support has made France the world's third-largest space powerhouse. There is another condition for the space industry, a space powerhouse South Korea, where many young people in South Korea dream of building their own small launch vehicles and developing satellites. The establishment of a control tower, or the Space and Aerospace Administration, is urgent. Documentary ON [South Korea is a Space Powerhouse] (Aired on September 9, 2023) #Space Powerhouse #Satellite #Nuriho