Closed mines in Taebaek transform into space experiment center

Abandoned mines have an environment similar to that of the Moon's poles.

For this reason, they are transformed into a testbed for space research.

Cha Yun-kyung tells us how.

The researchers say that abandoned mines have a "similar environment to space," as they have less oxygen and remain at low temperatures. They use them as test-bed environments to simulate the moon and explore possible training exercises with experimental equipment.

In the closed mines, it is possible to check whether all sorts of facilities can operate well on a bumpy surface. The researchers test drills for lunar soil exploration and sample collection before going into space. They also experiment with various technologies for space resources, such as CubeSats for very low Earth orbit, and real-time spectrum analysers for cosmic rays.

"The environment of abandoned mines is quite similar to that on the moon. So, it is feasible to carry out dangerous experiments like analyzing electric power generation in closed mines without any interruption."

Aside from conducting verification tests for space equipment, the research team is also planning to create a space resource convergence demonstration complex in Taebaek this year and make abandoned mines leading space resources platforms.

"Here in closed mines, we are planning to run equipment which collects helium-3 that can be the main source of electrical energy in the future. Then, we will actually go to the moon and collect helium-3 after testing everything in advance."

The research team is planning to load space equipment in a lunar lander that is being independently developed, based on resources from the verification experiments, by 2032.

Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.