First Korean Astronaut To Be Determined by Early September

In early September, the first Korean astronaut, who will go into space next April, will be named.

The Ministry of Science and Technology said on June 25, “We have worked out a way to determine which of Goh Sahn, and Lee So-yeon, who are both currently being trained in Russia, will be given the first opportunity to go into space aboard a spaceship.”

Results drawn up by evaluation of experts who are in charge of training the two candidates in Russia as well as ability to complete science missions, physical strength and health will be taken into account for the final selection.

The person chosen in September will join other Russian astronauts to receive additional training, and in April 2008, he or she will board a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, fly to the International Space Station, and carry out science experiments for a week.

kunta@donga.com