• Journal of Space Technology and Applications
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.154-164
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• 2023

In space exploration, spectroscopic observation is useful for understanding objects' composition and physical properties. There are various methods for analyzing spectral data, and there are differences depending on the object and the wavelength. This paper introduces a method for analyzing visible & nearinfrared (VNIR) spectral data, which is mainly applied in lunar exploration. The main analysis methods include false color ratio image processing, reflectance pattern analysis, integrated band depth (IBD) processing, and continuum removal as preprocessing before analysis. These spectroscopic analysis methods help to understand the mineral properties of the lunar surface in the VNIR region and can be applied to other celestial bodies such as Mars.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.338-344
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• 2018

The lunar surface temperature is important as a environmental parameter for the thermal design of the lunar exploration vehicles such as orbital spacecraft, lander, and rovers. In this study, the temperature is numerically predicted through a simplified lumped system model for the energy conservation. The physical values required for the analysis of the energy equation are derived by considering the geometric shape, and the values presented in the previous research results. The areal specific heat, which is the most important thermo-physical property of the lumped system model, was extracted from the temperature measurements by the Diviner loaded on the LRO, and the value was predicted by calibration of the analytical model to the measurements. The predicted temperature distribution obtained through numerical integration has sufficient accuracy to be applied to the thermal design of the lunar exploration vehicles.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.131-143
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• 2022

The lunar exploration autonomous vehicle operates based on the lunar topography information obtained from real-time image characterization. For highly accurate topography characterization, a large number of training images with various background conditions are required. Since the real lunar topography images are difficult to obtain, it should be helpful to be able to generate mimic lunar image data artificially on the basis of the planetary analogs site images and real lunar images available. In this study, we aim to artificially create lunar topography images by using the location information-based style transfer algorithm known as Wavelet Correct Transform (WCT2). We conducted comparative experiments using lunar analog site images and real lunar topography images taken during China's and America's lunar-exploring projects (i.e., Chang'e and Apollo) to assess the efficacy of our suggested approach. The results show that the proposed techniques can create realistic images, which preserve the topography information of the analog site image while still showing the same condition as an image taken on lunar surface. The proposed algorithm also outperforms a conventional algorithm, Deep Photo Style Transfer (DPST) in terms of temporal and visual aspects. For future work, we intend to use the generated styled image data in combination with real image data for training lunar topography objects to be applied for topographic detection and segmentation. It is expected that this approach can significantly improve the performance of detection and segmentation models on real lunar topography images.

• Journal of Space Technology and Applications
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.217-240
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• 2021

Upon the human exploration era of the Moon, this paper introduces lunar topography and geologic fundamentals to space scientists. The origin of scientific terminology for the lunar topography was briefly summarized, and the extension of the current Korean terminology is suggested. Specifically, we suggest the most representative lunar topography that are useful to laymen as 1 ocean (Oceanus Procellarum), 10 maria (Mare Imbrium, Mare Serenitatis, Mare Tranuillitatis, Mare Nectaris, Mare Fecundatis, Mare Crisium, Mare Vaporium, Mare Cognitum, Mare Humorum, Mare Nubium), 6 great craters (Tyco, Copernicus, Kepler, Aristachus, Stebinus, Langrenus). We also suggest Korean terms for highland, maria, mountains, crater, rille, rima, graben, dome, lava tube, wrinkle ridge, trench, rupes, and regolith. In addition, we introduce the standard model for the lunar interior and typical rocks. According to the standard model on the basis of historical impact events, the lunar geological eras are classified as Pre-Nectarian, Nectarian, Imbrian, Erathostenesian, and Copernican in chronologic order. Finally, we summarize the latest discovery records on the water on the Moon, and introduce the concept of water extraction from the lunar soil, which is to be developed by the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM).

• Journal of Space Technology and Applications
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.86-99
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• 2023

The mass spectrometer, being an essential scientific instrument for uncovering the origin of the solar system and life, has been used since the early 1970s on board spacecraft to obtain information of neutral and ionized elements in the atmosphere and surface of the moon, planets, asteroids, and comets. According to the 4th Basic Plan for the Promotion of Space Development (2023-2027), Korea plans to conduct lunar landing in 2032 and Mars landing in 2045 as the core goals of the plan and focuses on developing the technologies required for unmanned robotic exploration missions. In this regard, it is crucial to develop the technology of a mass spectrometer, which is the most fundamental payload for space exploration for maximized scientific achievements, however never tried before in any domestic space missions. We describe in this paper the principle of a domestically developed quadrupole mass spectrometer, its prototype model, and the test results of its performance. We conclude this paper with intended future improvements.

• Journal of Space Technology and Applications
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.195-205
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• 2022

Space exploration is an area where international cooperation takes place more actively than any other space activities such as Earth observation, communication and navigation. This is because a country cannot afford a huge budget to have full infrastructure for deep space exploration, such as a heavy launch vehicle, communication and energy infrastructure, and human habitats, and has learned that it is not sustainable. Korea expressed its willingness to join humanity's epic exploration journey by signing the Artemis Accords in 2021 and launching Danuri lunar orbiter in 2022. The beginning of space exploration means that Korea's space activities have expanded beyond the stage of focusing only on technology development to set norms necessary to accompany other countries and cooperate diplomatically to solve exposed problems. This paper analyzed European space policy and space exploration, which are most actively participating in the Artemis Program and exerting diplomatic power in the space field, from the perspective of science and technology diplomacy. The suggestions for Korea's space exploration strategy from the perspective of science and technology diplomacy were drawn by examining the international cooperation strategies in Europe's space activities ranging from space policy, space strategy, and space exploration program to project units.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.44 no.8
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• pp.702-709
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• 2016

By means of the our satellite development for the past 20 years, it ensure us to obtain domestic independent development capabilities. In the case of practical-class Low-Earth Orbit(LEO) remote sensing satellites, we become a world-class developer. Furthermore, we acquire the technology to develop domestic-leading geostationary satellites, depending on the mission. Currently, we proceed with the next-generation mid-size satellite development program featuring standard bus for the expansion of the world market and has embarked on the development of lunar orbiter from this year.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.133-139
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• 2011

The largest terms in the solid Earth body tide calculation are second degree spherical harmonic components due to the moon or the sun, and they compose about 98 percent of total contribution. Each degree harmonics of the tidal perturbation should be evaluated through multiplication with distinct Love numbers or their combinations. Correct evaluation of these terms in gravity tide is considered with re-calculated Love numbers. Frequency dependence of Love numbers for spherical harmonic tide upon the order number is discussed. Tidal displacement and tidally induced deviation of the vertical are also evaluated. Essential concepts underlying the body tide calculation are briefly summarized.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Propulsion Engineers Conference
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• 2008.05a
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• pp.155-158
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• 2008

Development of Moon Explorer-1 (orbiter) is supposed to be commenced in 2017 and launched in 2020. In case of Moon Explorer-2 (lander), it would be slated to start in 2021 and launch in 2025. For this reason it is taken for granted to investigate a fundamental propulsion system for a Moon Explorer. In this paper conceptual feasibility and comparison studies are proposed for the propulsion system applicable to a Moon Explorer. Availability of monopropellant/bipropellant/electric propulsion system is compared and analysed as well with precedents overseas. As a result possible candidates for a Moon Explorer propulsion system are suggested.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Propulsion Engineers
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.22-29
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• 2009

Development of Moon Explorer-1 (orbiter) is supposed to be commenced in 2017 and launched in 2020. In case of Moon Explorer-2 (lander), it would be slated to start in 2021 and launch in 2025. In this paper conceptual feasibility studies are conducted for the propulsion system applicable to a Moon Explorer. In the first place the availability of monopropellant/bipropellant/electric propulsion system is examined with domestic as well as overseas precedents. Secondly ${\Delta}V$ is estimated by the mission analysis and the propellant budget is calculated accordingly. Subsequently feasibility of a chemical propulsion system for a Moon Explorer is evaluated.