The Children’s Space Reporter Corps visiting the Korea Aerospace Research Institute booth at the ‘2026 Korea Science Festival in Gyeonggi.’ Provided by Studio51
[Editor’s Note] Children’s Science Donga, a science magazine published by Donga Science, has been running the Children’s Space Reporter Corps since 2024 to instill a sense of dreams and challenge about space in elementary school students. In 2025, 1,832 elementary students participated as space reporters, completing over 40 space missions. The two selected as the final ‘children’s astronauts’ visited NASA. This ‘Space Bud’ series introduces the reporting journey of the 3rd Children’s Space Reporter Corps as they visit major domestic space agencies and companies, growing into future space talents.
“The total length of the Nuri rocket is about the same height as how many floors of an apartment building? Please press the number!”
On April 24, fifteen members of the Children’s Space Reporter Corps visited the ‘2026 Korea Science Festival’ held at KINTEX Exhibition Center 1 in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. On this day, the young reporters stopped by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) exhibition booth to participate in a smart quiz show and a VR experience.
Children’s Space Reporter Corps participating in the quiz show. Provided by Studio51
Last year, KARI achieved major successes, including the fourth successful launch of the Korean launch vehicle Nuri, the successful orbital insertion of the ultra-high-resolution optical satellite Arirang 7, and the completion of a full lunar map through the operation of the lunar orbiter Danuri. This year, it is carrying out projects such as the fifth launch of Nuri and the establishment of the Korea Positioning System (KPS), South Korea’s own satellite navigation system.
Gathered at the booth, the Children’s Space Reporter Corps first participated in a quiz show to learn about aerospace. Questions on various topics and fields were presented in succession, covering the shape of water in zero gravity, the Cheollian satellite, and aircraft winglets.
After solving 12 quizzes using smart devices and tallying the scores, child reporter Jang Ha-seong and child reporter Kim Rae-o took third and fourth place, respectively. Jang Ha-seong confidently remarked, “I’m very interested in space, so the questions weren’t difficult.”
A child reporter enjoying the VR experience. Provided by Studio51
This was followed by a VR experience themed ‘A Space Journey with KARI.’ It was a virtual experience set in a future where South Korea has developed its own crewed spacecraft, allowing participants to explore planets in our solar system like Earth, the Moon, Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter.
After the experience, child reporter Im Yeon-jeong said, “It was great to explore space directly through VR technology and feel like I was actually landing on the Moon. For the next field mission, I want to visit a real research facility and ask the researchers various questions.”
Making a KARI keychain. Provided by Studio51
Finally, the Children’s Space Reporter Corps concluded their schedule by enjoying programs such as taking astronaut photos using an AI studio device and making commemorative keychains. Child reporter Song Yu-jun shared his thoughts, saying, “I’ve always loved space and have gone to many experiences with my parents, but it was really fun doing it with my fellow space reporter friends.”
Meanwhile, the 3rd Children’s Astronaut Contest is sponsored by Kolon, the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), TelePIX, the Daegu National Science Museum, the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), the KAIST Space Research Institute, Spacemap, InnoSpace, and the Gwangju National Science Museum. The final children’s astronauts who excel in both online and offline missions will get the opportunity to visit and report on sites in the United States, including NASA, this coming November.
Join ‘Children’s Science Donga’ to carry out various space missions and take on the challenge of becoming the next children’s astronaut!
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https://www.popcornplanet.co.kr/astronaut
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