To infinity and beyond!

When I heard the announcement of the annual Philippine Space Week, scheduled for Aug. 8-14, it reminded me of the UN flag that the first Korean astronaut, Yi So-yeon, took to the International Space Station in 2008. Upon returning, she presented the flag to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during Mr. Ban’s first homecoming visit to Korea. Carrying the UN flag to her space mission embodied the prevailing spirit contained in the Moon Agreement (formally referred to as “1979 Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies”), which states that “the moon and its natural resources are the common heritage of mankind.” At the flag presentation ceremony, she said, “Looking at our planet from above, you realize how small we are. The experience is so humbling.” Mr. Ban often referred to this sentiment, saying, “Remember, we’re all earthlings, after all.”

In late May, the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), Korea’s version of NASA, was launched. This space agency of Korea aims to unify space policy and projects, transforming Korea into a global space powerhouse. It was Korea’s proverbial small step in its giant leap toward becoming a leading space economy. Though Korea’s journey actually began over 30 years ago, its space-bound efforts have gained steam in recent years. In May 2021, Korea became the tenth country to sign the Artemis Accords, a practical set of principles to guide cooperation among nations participating in NASA’s 21st-century lunar exploration plans. In May 2023, Korea launched a commercial-grade satellite with its domestically produced KSLV-II Nuri rocket. At the opening ceremony of KASA, President Yoon announced plans to send a space exploration vehicle to the moon by 2032 and plant a national flag on Mars by 2045, Korea’s centennial year of independence.

Read more: https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2024/07/14/2370018/infinity-and-beyond