Hanwha Space Hub and KAIST have announced that they are recruiting participants for the fourth cohort of their jointly developed youth space talent development program, “Pebbles of the Universe,” until June 13.
“Pebbles of the Universe” targets students in the first and second grades of middle school, with this year’s theme being “Exploration Beyond the Solar System.” Any youth with an interest in space and a willingness to explore is welcome to apply.
This program is composed of a project-based curriculum that merges science and humanities. Participants will carry out experiential space mission projects over six months under the guidance of KAIST aerospace engineering faculty and graduate-level mentors.
The final number of selected participants is 30. Applicants go through an essay screening (first phase) and interview (second phase) for selection. Applications can be submitted through the official website of Hanwha Space Hub.
The program begins with a humanities conference in July and continues until December, providing graduates with benefits such as △KAIST president’s certificate △Opportunity to attend KAIST Gifted Education Center △KAIST mentoring △Visit to the NASA Space Center in the US.
“Pebbles of the Universe” started in 2022 and has produced about 100 graduates over three cohorts. Each cohort has been educated on themes such as “Moon Exploration,” “Mars Exploration,” and “Space Technology for Earth.”
Hanwha Space Hub is a consortium involving Hanwha Corporation, Hanwha Aerospace, and Hanwha Systems, subsidiaries of the Hanwha Group’s space business. Hanwha is focusing on investing in infrastructure for talent to enhance the competitiveness of South Korea’s space industry through this program.
A Hanwha Space Hub spokesperson stated, “Pebbles of the Universe is an educational model that provides young people with the opportunity to dream and plan their careers in space, as well as a strategic investment that strengthens the foundation for introducing space talents.”
