[한국정경신문=변동휘 기자] Capabilities Kyung Hee University’s Department of Space Science, led by Professor Seon Jongho, in collaboration with the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI), has successfully developed Lunar Space Environment Monitor (LUSEM), South Korea’s first scientific instrument designed for a lunar lander. This groundbreaking achievement has earned LUSEM a place among the Top 100 National R&D Achievements of 2024, receiving the highest distinction in the Fundamental Science and Infrastructure category. The instrument, developed as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, is set to be launched aboard an unmanned lunar lander in 2025–2026. Following its completion in 2023, LUSEM was transported to the United States, where it successfully underwent functionality testing.

■ Advancing Lunar Exploration with Cutting-Edge Technology
LUSEM is designed to detect high-energy electrons and protons in lunar orbit and on the surface, a capability previously achieved only by NASA’s Apollo missions and China’s Chang’e-4. The instrument is equipped with four detection fields, allowing it to separately observe incoming and reflected particles from the Moon’s surface. Its detection range—50 keV to 3.8 MeV for electrons and 50 keV to 22.5 MeV for protons—surpasses those of previous lunar missions, enabling unprecedented observations of space weathering and high-energy interactions on the Moon.

LUSEM will operate in the Reiner Gamma swirl region, a visually distinct area characterized by bright and dark patches on the lunar surface. Scientists anticipate that studying this region will offer valuable insights into how cosmic radiation influences lunar surface evolution. By providing new data on space weathering processes, LUSEM could help unravel long-standing mysteries about the Moon’s geological history.

■ Strengthening South Korea’s Lunar Exploration Capabilities
Professor Seon highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, “This is South Korea’s first lunar lander science instrument, and we have successfully completed its transport and functionality tests in the U.S. The expertise we have developed will be instrumental in future South Korean lunar exploration missions.”
Kyung Hee University has played a significant role in advancing South Korea’s space research initiatives, particularly since being selected for the World-Class Research University Program in 2008. The university has contributed to numerous major space projects, including the launch of small satellites in 2012 and 2013, the development of a space weather observation instrument for the Chollian-2A satellite in 2018, and the creation of a magnetometer for Danuri, South Korea’s first lunar orbiter, in 2022. Through international research collaborations and groundbreaking space projects, Kyung Hee University continues to drive South Korea’s progress in lunar exploration and space science, positioning the country as a key player in the global space sector.

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