KIFA SPACE FORUM
Space Exploration, Astronaut, and Space Industries
The Korea Institute for Astronauts (KIFA) is Korea's first research institute dedicated to studying the human elements of space exploration. As Humanity prepares for crewed lunar and Mars missions leading up to 2035, KIFA brings together diverse experts in space medicine, spacecraft and spacesuit design, space biology, space policy and ethics, physiology, space travel, space habitation, microgravity effects, and radiation protection.
This December, we invite all those interested in the intersection of AI, mobility, and space science to join us for our academic forum: "Space Exploration, Astronauts, and the Space Industry."
Date: December 16, 2025 (Tuesday)
Time: (afternoon) 2:00 – 3:30 (duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes)
Location: Seoul Seongbuk-gu Kookmin University Headquarters Academic Conference Centre (R101) (1st floor)
Contact: 010-7527-0878
Email: davidwj_kim@yahoo.co.uk
Recent projects
Professor Caldwell Helps Shape Future of Human Mars Exploration
We are delighted to announce that our esteemed US colleague, Professor Barrett Caldwell, has participated in the research and publication of the US National Academies' Science Strategy for Human Exploration of Mars report.
Professor Caldwell served as panel co-chair (Human Factors Lead) for the Biological and Physical Sciences and Human Factors Panel, contributing his expertise to this landmark committee report that will help shape the future of human space exploration.
This comprehensive strategy report represents years of collaborative work by leading experts to identify the critical scientific questions and research priorities needed to enable safe and successful human missions to Mars.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Professor Caldwell on this significant achievement and his continued contributions to advancing human space exploration.
Image courtesy of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine
Ashok N., Kinra P., Tyagi P., Dutta V. Indian Journal of Aerospace Medicine 56,1.
Study of Simulated Microgravity on Immunological Parameters
Spaceflight results in immunosuppression, likely due to neurohumoral factors released in response to intermittent stress during flight. However, no major non-physiological health problems have been reported during or following spaceflight; however, diseases resulting from immunosuppression could occur on long-duration missions and include bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, as well as an increased incidence of neoplasia and autoimmunity. Studies have shown impairment of cell-mediated, humoral, and innate immune variables in blood samples from astronauts who have flown a space mission. This study examined the immunological parameters in healthy adults before and after simulated microgravity. 20 healthy adult male volunteers were subjected to simulated microgravity for 6 hours using a dry flotation tank.
The immunological parameters were analysed using blood samples collected pre- and post-exposure to simulated microgravity. The parameters included: total leukocyte count, differential leukocyte count, CD4 count, CD8 count, CD4/CD8 ratio, and serum IL-2 (an adaptive immune cytokine) and TNF-α (an innate immune cytokine) levels. There was no statistically significant change in the CD4 count, CD8 count or CD4/CD8 ratio. However, there was a substantial reduction in serum TNF-α (p=0.004) and IL-2 (p=0.0258). This experiment showed a mild decrease in cell-mediated immunity and in cytokines involved in innate immunity. The paper further recommends possible countermeasures to reduce this problem and how to investigate a pilot with signs of immunosuppression systematically.
More details: https://indjaerospacemed.com/study-of-simulated-microgravity-on-immunological-parameters/
Gender Policy and Couple Astronauts: Confinement and Resilience Countermeasures in Deep Space Exploration By David W. Kim
How is Gender Policy for Future Astronauts?
Space science has been developed with a long-term perspective beyond missions in Earth orbit, the International Space Station (ISS) and Shenzhou. While space tourism is a commercial project, NASA’s SpaceX is considering innovative missions for the moon station and Mars in the 2030s. The major hazards of radiation, microgravity, distance from Earth and hostile environments will be technologically addressed for the biological and physiological safety of human spaceflight. However, prolonged isolation in space was not the key issue of past missions; nevertheless, it critically affected psychological and behavioural changes. How can we enhance future astronauts’ mental well-being? What methodology would be efficient for outer space travel? Are space agencies’ gender policies still valuable? If not, how can they be reconsidered in risk management?
Since insecurity illogically leads to the internal circumstances of solitude, fear, anxiety, low morale, negativity, unwillingness and longing for family, this research explores the significance of spaceship community life in the context of gender equality. The physiological characteristics of future astronauts (around late twenties to early forties) are evaluated in relation to sexual nature for 2.5–3 years. The paper presents a feasible hypothesis that, in the secure systems of STEM and medical environments, applying the ‘couple astronaut theory’ could serve as an alternative countermeasure to enhance the resilience, safety, and success of deep space exploration.
https://informaticajournal.com/informatica/index.php/pdf/stream/AiEfx/1749354756
“How the Immune System Deploys Creativity: Why We Can Learn From Astronauts and Cosmonauts.” by Henderika de Vries and William Khoury-Hanold
In Front. Psychol. 12 (2021):582083. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.582083
The Immune System of Astronauts with Creativity
In this interdisciplinary article, the authors investigate the relationship between creativity and the immune system, the creative features of the immune system and how the immune system and its role in regulating homeostasis might be related to creative cognition. They argue that within a multivariate approach of creativity, the immune system is a contributing factor. New directions for research are also discussed. When astronauts and cosmonauts venture into the new and extreme environment of outer space, their immune system needs to instantly adapt and find new answers to survive biologically and psychologically. Many astronauts report interest in creative activities and therefore represent an interesting group to investigate creativity in relation to the immune system. Little is known regarding (1) how the immune system interacts with and supports creative cognition and behavior, (2) if an individual’s immune system, interacting with cognition, adapts more originally to a new environment compared to another’s; in other words, if there is creativity in the domain of the immune system, and (3) the creative properties and functions of the immune system itself.
Given that the concepts of creativity and the immune system might not be familiar to those who study one but not the other, this paper begins by defining these concepts. Next, the authors argue that these seemingly lightyear distant concepts are actually closer than previously thought. They will discuss the connections between illness, the immune system and creativity and propose that the essence of illness is the experience of Unheimlichkeit, which is the sense of “uncanniness” or “unhomelikeness” in one’s own body and in the world (Svenaeus, 2000). Finally, the paper extends the framework of Unheimlichkeit to the extreme environment of space and discusses what can be learnt about creativity from astronauts.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.582083/full
News and Events
KIFA and Titans Space Industries Form Strategic Partnership for Commercial Space Exploration
The Korea Institute for Astronauts has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Titans Space Industries Inc., establishing a collaborative framework for astronaut training and commercial space projects spanning LEO, lunar, and Mars missions. The partnership will facilitate joint space activities, knowledge exchange, professional development programs, and academic collaboration between the two organizations. This agreement represents a significant step forward in positioning Korea as a leading participant in the global commercial space industry.
Dr. Ravi Gupta Recognized Among Top Biology Scholars Worldwide
We are pleased to share that Dr. Ravi Gupta, one of our founding members, has been recognized as one of the top 2% scholars in biology worldwide for both 2024 and 2025. This recognition, based on citation metrics and research impact analysis, acknowledges researchers who have made meaningful contributions to their fields.
The ranking evaluates scientists based on their scholarly work and its influence within the research community. Dr. Gupta's inclusion reflects his consistent dedication to advancing biological research and his commitment to scientific inquiry over the course of his career.
.https://topscinet.com/scientist_profile/Gupta,%20Ravi/2012/?stype=single_year
The Korea Institute For Astronauts (KIFA) officially launched on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the Korea Press Centre in Seoul, marking a significant milestone in South Korea's commitment to advancing human spaceflight research. The launch event brought together distinguished scholars, researchers, and space exploration advocates from across the globe, signalling strong international interest in South Korea's expanding role in space research.
The ceremony featured inspiring addresses from leading figures in academia and space research. Professor Kim Do-Youn, Vice President of Kookmin University, delivered opening remarks highlighting the institute's strategic importance to South Korea's scientific future. Emeritus Professor Kim Tu-Hwan, one of South Korea's most senior and respected scholars in space research, shared insights from decades of pioneering work in the field. Professor Ghada Alsaleh from the University of Oxford provided an international perspective on collaborative space research opportunities, while Director David William Kim and Co-Director Lee Do-Youn outlined KIFA's vision and research priorities for pioneering work in human spaceflight. The event was expertly presented by Emily Min.
The launch demonstrated KIFA's international reach, with participation from researchers across multiple continents. In-person attendees included KIFA Co-Director Emmanuel Wolfs, and fellow researchers Stella Setbyoul Choi, Wesley C. Smith, and Zerrin Kozma Kim. Joining virtually were o-Director Ravi Gupta, and researchers Tara Smith from Australia, Henderika de Vries from Luxembourg, Anderson Wilder and Barrett S. Caldwell from the United States, and Ashok Narayanamoorthi from India.
The institute has already garnered significant attention from corporations and research institutions worldwide, eager to collaborate and contribute to advancing space research capabilities in South Korea. KIFA's establishment positions South Korea as an emerging hub for human spaceflight research and international collaboration.