K-Hyperspectral Startup to Transform Earth Observation — Joined by Korea’s First Astronaut

“Hyperspectral technology is more than just a technological innovation — it marks the beginning of a new industry that will read the Earth through data and design the future” Professor Sung-Chul Yoon of Seoul National University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, Co-CEO of aerospace startup SPEX, made this remark in describing the company’s vision. SPEX is developing high-resolution imaging spectroscopy that can decompose and analyze hundreds of wavelengths simultaneously, providing satellite observation solutions applicable to precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, and national security. SPEX’s Co-CEO, Dr. Woong-Seob Jeong of the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI), led the development of the world’s first wide-field infrared hyperspectral space telescope, the Near-Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (NISS), and also participated in NASA’s SPHEREx project. Leveraging this expertise, SPEX is emerging as a private-sector alternative to the technology monopoly long dominated by NASA and ESA. The company is currently testing prototypes and plans to showcase them at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) this September. To strengthen its global competitiveness, SPEX has brought in key strategic talent. Dr. So-Yeon Yi, Korea’s first astronaut, has joined as Global Business Director (GBD) to lead overseas partnerships and market expansion, while Dr. Kang-Hwan Lee, former Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Science and ICT, has become Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), overseeing commercialization and policy integration. SPEX was also selected for the government’s Deep-tech TIPS program, securing KRW 1.5 billion in R&D funding.

Korea National University of Education Hosts Lecture by Astronaut So-Yeon Yi

On the 16th, Korea National University of Education (President Woo-Kyu Cha) announced that it had invited Dr. So-Yeon Yi, Korea’s first astronaut, to deliver a special lecture titled “I’ll Wait for You in Space.” The event was organized to support career exploration for elementary, middle, and high school students in Cheongju and to strengthen university–community engagement. It was sponsored by SPEX’s R&D Center, an aerospace deep-tech startup located in the Osong Space Cluster. During the lecture, Dr. Yi shared her personal journey of becoming an astronaut as well as vivid experiences from spaceflight, while offering students an opportunity to nurture their own dreams of space exploration through an interactive Q&A session. Dr. Yi, Korea’s first astronaut, currently serves as a professor at the International Space University (ISU) and is the author of several books, including I’ll Wait for You in Space, Woman in Space, and The Eleventh Chop.