Korea Aerospace University

1. Institute for Aerospace Industry and Technology

A. Overview

This institute integrates the Institute of Aviation Industry Technology and the Aerospace Parts Development Research Center. It conducts research in fundamental aerospace science, design and structural analysis of aerospace structures, flight operation technology, and various other aerospace-related technical fields in order to respond to the national aerospace industry development policy while advancing the university's distinctive strengths. It contributes to the advancement of aerospace technology and industry, and produces highly qualified research personnel to support the growth of the aerospace industry.

B. Research Areas

• Aircraft structures, aerodynamics, propulsion and power systems, flight control
• Launch vehicles, space propulsion, satellite systems, GPS application technology, satellite navigation
• Optimal design, manufacturing engineering, vibration control, mechatronics, robotics
• Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight testing
• Aerospace materials, space environment

2. Institute of Avionics

A. Overview

This institute was established to contribute to national industrial development through research in science and technology across aviation and space-related electronics and communications. It maintains research divisions for avionics, radio technology, and foundational technology, conducting research on aviation and space technology policy, satellite-mounted equipment and systems, CNS (C: Communication, N: Navigation, S: Surveillance), and core foundational technologies.

B. Research Areas

• Leads research across overall avionics systems including communications, navigation, radar, aviation operations, satellite payloads, and ground systems
• Leads research in microwave and antenna technology, mobile communications, optical communications, and RF design

3. KAU Robot Research Center

A. Overview

Established in 2006, this research center aims to build a specialized research and educational foundation for robot development in the aerospace, biotechnology, medical, exploration, and IT industries, based on micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, robotics, mechatronics, hydraulic and pneumatic control, and information and communications technology.

B. Research Areas

• Securing government-funded research projects; brainstorming to identify future research directions
• Promoting industry-academia cooperation including technology transfer and on-site technical consulting; recruiting companies for robotics capstone design programs; establishing graduate internship programs with robotics industry partners
• Education through expert invitation seminars, academic conferences, and technical lectures; planning and managing academic events; supporting the authoring of specialized technical publications

4. Advanced Materials Research Center

A. Overview

Entry into the new knowledge-based industries of the 21st century requires research and development based simultaneously on individual expertise across the fields of basic and applied science and on the convergence of these elements. The role of the materials sector is critical, as it serves as a bridge between domains by developing the materials and components commonly required across all fields of technology. Accordingly, the center pursues comprehensive advanced materials research premised on both unit material development and overall system integration across various technical disciplines.

B. Research Areas

• Nanometer-scale ultra-fine materials processing in the areas of material processing and property analysis across foundational industries (steel, automotive, shipbuilding), aerospace-related industries, and semiconductor/display industries
• Experimental and analytical research on material processing and property analysis in response to the realities of advanced, automated industries
• Contributing to the cultivation of technical experts

5. Center for Reliability Engineering in Mechanical and Aerospace Industry

A. Overview

This research center aims to elevate domestic reliability technology to a world-class level through fundamental technology research, advanced personnel training, and technical support for the mechanical and aerospace industry. It conducts reliability technology research across the full lifecycle—from reliability prediction/evaluation, reliability design, reliability testing, and reliability monitoring through to residual life management—covering the entire mechanical and aerospace industry, and disseminates related technologies and trained personnel to the industry.

B. Research Areas

• Thermal and fluid dynamics
• Control and systems engineering
• Materials, structures, and design
• Rocket propulsion

6. Semiconductor Convergence Institute

A. Overview

This institute aims to deepen research related to semiconductor materials, devices, processes (equipment), and circuits, and to promote interdisciplinary convergence research among faculty across different fields within the university, creating opportunities for pioneering research. It leads research cooperation with domestic industries and specialized research institutions, as well as with promising overseas research institutions, with the goals of supporting regional industries and fostering specialized talent. Through human and material cooperation among participating faculty, it consolidates the university's semiconductor research infrastructure and actively participates in and develops national semiconductor research projects, industry-academia cooperation, international collaboration, personnel training, and exchange programs.

B. Research Areas

• Eco-friendly multifunctional ultra-corrosion-resistant surface materials
• Plasma-based process equipment and semiconductor ultra-thin film synthesis and deposition
• High-reliability semiconductors, sensors, and solar cells for aviation and satellite applications
• High-reliability circuits and multifunctional integrated circuits

7. Center for Technology and Management Support for Developing Countries

A. Overview

This research center was established with the purpose of providing technology management consulting and establishing educational institutions for developing countries in need, through the export of education and the dissemination of appropriate technology. It originated in 1998 when Director Park Jong-seo received a proposal from KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) to serve as an advisor for establishing the University of Computer Studies Yangon (UCSY) in Myanmar. As an ODA (Official Development Assistance)-focused center, it has achieved a track record of conducting approximately 15 ODA projects, beginning with the KOICA Cambodia HRD (Human Resource Development) Center project in 2010.

B. Research Areas

• Discussing approaches for disseminating appropriate technology to developing countries
• Researching strategies for AI technology development and dissemination

8. KAU Space Systems Technology Institute

A. Overview

This institute aims to grow into a specialized research institution that leads the nation's future satellite and payload technology, serving as a hub for future space technology research. It performs independent research tasks within large-scale national space development programs, conducts core technology research based on flight model development and the practical needs of industry, derives applicable research outcomes, and builds a space systems engineering education framework to realize the university's academic synergy. It also develops a KAU small satellite standard platform for independent technology verification and establishes a verification system through orbital operation.

B. Research Areas

• Mission analysis and systems analysis technology; design/integration/testing research
• Research on core technologies for optical/SAR payloads; payload design/fabrication/testing and application research
• Core mechanical/materials technology and sub-system design/fabrication/testing; electrical/electronic convergence technology research
• Core electrical/electronic technology research and sub-system design and fabrication testing; mechanical/materials convergence technology research

9. Institute of Aerospace Propulsion

A. Overview

This institute aims to contribute to national industrial development, talent cultivation, and academic exchange through research in science and technology across all areas of aerospace propulsion.

B. Research Areas

• In aviation propulsion: gas turbine performance/thermodynamics/structures/combustion, testing and evaluation of hot-section components of gas turbines, and research on AAM hybrid propulsion systems
• In space propulsion: research on launch vehicle structures/control/combustion systems, hybrid and methane engines, and turbopumps

10. Institute of Aviation Industry Policy

A. Overview

This institute was established to exclusively handle both social science research and education on the aviation industry from transportation, policy, and economic management perspectives, and research on aviation navigation with a focus on next-generation navigation systems, which have been developing significantly in recent years.

B. Research Areas

• Development of training programs in related fields; publication of research outputs
• Aviation policy and airport policy; aviation navigation/operations; aviation/airport economics and aviation/airport industry; airline management; aviation market research; air cargo logistics

11. Institute of Aviation Safety Management

A. Overview

This institute conducts research on safety management and aircraft flight safety across the aviation sector. It publishes related educational training materials, technical advisories, and publications, and carries out data investigation on aircraft accidents, analysis of accident causes, and research on accident prevention.

B. Research Areas

• Investigation and analytical research on aviation safety and aircraft accidents
• Research on accident prevention across the aviation sector
• Education of related technical professionals

12. Center for Ubiquitous Technology Applications

A. Overview

This research center focuses on applied research and technology development of Ubiquitous technologies (i.e., RFID, Sensor Networks, Mobile technologies, etc.) in the logistics and production sectors, which will serve as the core of next-generation logistics technology. Through active international cooperative research and industry-academia joint research, it aims to strengthen logistics and production technology research and maximize educational effectiveness, ultimately contributing to the development of the national logistics system.

B. Research Areas

• Publication of research outputs and short-term training/seminars
• Logistics systems (SCM/ERP/MES/WMS) and PLM, RFID/WSN/Mobile application technology research

13. Center for Aerospace System Testing and Certification

A. Overview

This research center was established to advance aerospace science and technology and contribute to university development and the growth of the national aerospace industry through flight testing, verification testing, evaluation, certification, systems engineering, and aviation convergence system research. It conducts research on certification technologies, systems, procedures, and educational curricula for various aviation systems, and carries out domestic and international service projects, commissioned projects, and collaborative projects related to the certification inspection of airborne systems and navigation systems.

B. Research Areas

• Aviation system flight testing, measurement, evaluation, and analysis research
• Certification technology, systems, procedures, and standardization research
• Systems engineering processes and certification framework research