Research Teams

Introduction

Advisory Board

  • Founding Director/Professor Myung Ja Kim

  • Professor C Michael Hall

  • Professor Man Seok Kim

  • Professor Yong-Ki Lee

  • Professor Philip Metzger

  • Professor Soojong Pak

  • Professor Hakseung Shin

  1. Division 1

    • Myung Ja Kim

    • C Michael Hall

    • Man Seok Kim

    • Soojong Park

    • Kisung Sheen

    • Sylvia Choi

    • Ye-Ah Kim

    Team 1’s research focuses on space biomedicine related to the physiological and psychological adaptation of commecial spaceflight participants, and explores an interdisciplinary research model through the convergence of space medicine and tourism studies.

  2. Division 2

    • Myung Ja Kim

    • Philip Metzger

    • Stuart John Barnes

    • Yong-Ki Lee

    • Changkyu Lee

    • Meejung Hong

    Our research explores two key areas in the field of space tourism.

    1. Our research explores two key areas in the field of space tourism.

      Our research examines consumer behavior to understand the motivations and preferences of potential space travelers. By analyzing psychological traits and decision-making patterns, we develop targeted digital marketing strategies that promote commercialization of the space tourism.

    2. Sustainable Space Tourism with AI Technology

      We also focus on building a sustainable space tourism industry by integrating AI technology with SDG and ESG principles. This approach aims to enhance environmental responsibility, promote ethical practices, and ensure long-term industry growth.

  3. Division 3

    • Myung Ja Kim

    • C Michael Hall

    • Philip Metzger

    • Jin-Hye Park

    • Dae-il Kim

    • Yunkyoung Jo

    • Hyeona Jo

    For Team 3, they closely examined the types of space weather that could occur during space tourism and analyzed the potential physical and technical risks associated with each level of severity. In addition, they focused on identifying strategies to overcome space weather risks.

  4. Division 4

    • Myung Ja Kim

    • Hakseung Shin

    • Ohbyung Kwon

    • Hyo Dan Cho

    • Ho-Young Lee

    • Sin-Hee Han

    Our research team is dedicated to advancing the field of space tourism by adopting an interdisciplinary approach that blends virtual reality (VR)–based experiential research, cognitive psychology, and tourism studies. We adopt immersive simulations to replicate space travel environments, allowing us to investigate how individuals perceive and respond to these novel experiences. Through these studies, we aim to identify the psychological, emotional, and behavioral factors that influence future space tourists. Ultimately, our goal is to contribute to the development of safer, more satisfying, and more sustainable space tourism experiences.

  5. Division 5

    • Myung Ja Kim

    • C Michael Hall

    • Nam-Ho Chung

    • Hyo Dan Cho

    • Sung-Eun Kang

    • Sin-Hee Han

    Our research focuses on understanding residents' perceptions toward the development of aerospace complexes and tourism-related projects in South Korea. As aerospace hub cities and space tourism initiatives gain momentum globally, securing local community support is essential, particularly in small and mid-sized cities. We aim to explore how these large-scale developments influence residents' attitudes and identify strategies to align such projects with local priorities.

  6. Division 6

    • Myung Ja Kim

    • Hakseung Shin

    • Joaquim Dias Soeiro

    • Philip Metzger

    • Ho-Young Lee

    • Sohye Bae

    Immersive Recovery Through Space Tourism: An Experimental Study on Psychological and Physiological Responses

    This division explores how space tourism—particularly zero-gravity and immersive space environments—can contribute to psychological recovery and emotional immersion, in ways distinct from nature-based healing experiences such as forests or hot springs. Participants will undergo VR-based simulations of both nature and space environments. We will assess their levels of recovery, mindfulness, and emotional engagement through psychometric tools, while simultaneously monitoring physiological responses such as heart rate variability (HRV). By investigating the potential mental health benefits of immersive space experiences, this research offers an empirical foundation for the emotional and cognitive value of space tourism. The outcomes may inform future development in space meditation, digital well-being, and space experience design. We welcome collaboration with research institutions, space experience developers, and experts in psychophysiological measurement.

  7. Division 7

    • Myung Ja Kim

    • James F Pectrick

    • Nam hyun Kim

    • Philip Metzger

    • Sohye Bae

    • Sylvia Choi

    Team 7's research focuses on individuals who have traveled to space, comprehensively exploring their psychology and experiences before, during, and after space tourism.

  8. Division 8

    • Yong-Ki Lee

    • Myung Ja Kim

    • C Michael Hall

    • Wonseok Seo

    • Yaeseul Sung