On April 8, 2008, Yi So-yeon launched into orbit aboard the Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft, marking the first time a South Korean citizen reached outer space. Her mission lasted eleven days and included eighteen scientific experiments conducted for the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, solidifying her status as a pioneer in the national space program.
Selection and Training
Born in 1978 in Gwangju, Yi pursued an academic path in mechanical engineering at KAIST, where she earned bachelor's and master's degrees. In 2006, the Korean Astronaut Program identified her as a finalist. While originally serving as the backup candidate behind Ko San, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology elevated Yi to primary status on March 10, 2008. This decision followed regulatory violations by her counterpart at the Russian training center.
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During her time on the International Space Station, Yi performed various tasks, including monitoring the behavior of 1,000 fruit flies in controlled environments and studying plant growth. She utilized a specialized 3D Samsung camera to record facial swelling caused by gravitational changes. Beyond biological research, she monitored dust storm patterns moving from China toward Korea and assessed noise levels within the station. Her life support included a customized, vitamin-dense version of kimchi developed by South Korean researchers.
Return and Post-Flight Career
The return flight on April 19, 2008, aboard Soyuz TMA-11, encountered a technical malfunction that forced a ballistic re-entry. This resulted in forces ten times Earth's gravity and a landing 420 kilometres off-target in Kazakhstan. Following her medical recovery, Yi continued as a researcher at KARI. In 2009, she attended the International Space University. She eventually resigned from KARI to pursue an MBA at the University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business, later transitioning into academia in Washington State.
Fast facts
- Born: 1978, Gwangju, South Korea
- Space Flight: April 8–19, 2008
- Spacecraft: Soyuz TMA-12
- Education: KAIST, Haas School of Business
- Doctorate: Biotech systems, KAIST, 2008
- Teaching Roles: Everett Community College, University of Washington
- Languages: Korean
Questions readers ask
How much did the South Korean government pay for the mission?
The mission was conducted under a commercial agreement with Russia, for which South Korea reportedly paid $20 million.
Why did Yi So-yeon resign from her position at KARI?
She officially resigned in 2014 for personal reasons, specifically to pursue an MBA at the University of California, Berkeley.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Inha University
- Educated at KAIST, Haas School of Business and Gwangju Science High School
- Worked as astronaut and engineer
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