UNIST has joined hands with the Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) to take the lead in the field of advanced manufacturing technology research, thereby marking a major step forward for South Korea's space sector.

A ceremony to mark the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organizations took place in the Main Administration Building of UNIST on February 23, 2022.

The purpose of this MoU is to improve the competitiveness of the Korean aerospace industry and foster high-tech manpower. Through this agreement, the two organizations will carry out joint R&D to develop the application technologies of 3D printing, as well as the manufacturing technologies of composite materials used in the aerospace industry. They have also agreed to develop key parts and components for the aerospace industry through joint research and exchange of research personnel.

UNIST will take the lead in developing core element technologies for manufacturing innovation, centering on the 3D Printing Convergence Technology Center (Director Namhun Kim) and the Composites Research Center (Director Young-Bin Park).

Under this partnership, the two organizations have agreed to expand cooperation including joint R&D projects, covering topics, such as 3D printing and specialized design, smart manufacturing technology for lightweight composites, digitalization of industrial production lines, such as advanced manufacturing systems and technologies.

Established in 1999, the Korea Aerospace Industrial Co., Ltd. is a total solution provider in aerospace. The company has been taking a leading role in the national aviation industry and security with the successful development of KT-1 Basic Trainer, T-50 Advanced Jet trainer, FA-50 Light Combat Aircraft, KUH-1 Utility Helicopter, and RQ-101 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.

Meanwhile, the ceremony has been attended by Dean Sung Youb Kim from the College of Engineering on UNIST President's behalf, Department Head Namhun Kim of Industrial Engineering, Professor Hungsun Son, Professor Wooseok Ji, and Professor Im Doo Jung from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UNIST. Also from the Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd., Director Jong-Ho Yoon of KAI Technology Innovation Center attended the ceremony on behalf of President Hyun Ho Ahn.