The program, called “Space Pebbles,” began Saturday at Hanwha Building in Seoul, the company said Monday.
The program is designed to identify and train promising first- and second-year middle school students from across the country. Hanwha selected 30 students for the fifth class through essay screening and discussion-based interviews.
The students will study under KAIST aerospace engineering professors and other experts through the end of the year under the theme of “space technology for South Korea.”
The first session opened with a space humanities conference, which brought together science communicators, space scientists, researchers and other industry experts.
Science communicator Orbit gave the first lecture under the theme of coexistence technologies in space, discussing technologies needed for long-term survival in space and challenges that must be overcome.
Space law expert Ahn Young-shin also gave a lecture on legal systems in space, explaining how space development requires the international community to build new rules for environments where national borders are less clearly defined.
This year’s program also included a talk concert with Orbit and three KAIST professors dedicated to the Space Pebbles program. Students asked questions about space science and exchanged views through discussion.
A second space humanities conference will be held next month, featuring An Hyoung-joon, head of the space public team at the Science and Technology Policy Institute, and Kim Sang-kyun, a professor of AI business at Kyung Hee University, who will discuss space policy and social changes surrounding the industry.
Students who complete the program will receive a certificate issued in the name of the KAIST president, an opportunity to take courses at the KAIST Global Institute for Talented Education, KAIST mentoring and a chance for all participants to visit overseas space institutions.
Hanwha said it will continue to support graduates through alumni networking and follow-up programs.
A Hanwha official said the space industry is moving toward integrated companies that can handle everything from launch vehicles to satellites and operations.
Hanwha Group recently said it will invest $37.4 billion in aerospace and AI by 2040, covering launch vehicles, satellite networks and defense AI.
The group has also increased its stake in Korea Aerospace Industries to the 13 percent range and formally changed the purpose of its shareholding to management participation, strengthening its position in South Korea’s space sector.
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