It has been revealed that satellite-related research data commissioned by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) was leaked outside by a retired researcher from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI). The leaked data includes information managed by the government as national core technologies. The budget invested in the related research alone exceeds 120 billion won. The police are investigating whether the leaked data was transferred to other companies or overseas.

According to data provided to lawmaker Seo Chun-ho (People Power Party, Sacheon-Namhae-Hadong) by KARI on the 22nd, based on the results of the Board of Audit and Inspection's audit on the security management of computer networks in government-funded research institutes in the science and technology sector, a principal researcher identified as Mr. A, who retired last February, took four pieces of research data outside. Mr. A was a researcher in charge of high-resolution optical lens technology.

It was found that he transferred the research data to a personal server before resigning and then moved to a position as a professor at a regional national university. The Daejeon Metropolitan Police Agency's Industrial Security Investigation Division is looking into the circumstances of the data leak and whether there were any additional leaks.

The leaked data includes projects related to high-resolution civilian optical satellites commissioned by the NIS with an investment of 81.5 billion won. It was confirmed that data on the development of satellite payloads (EO/IR), funded by 18.8 billion won from the DAPA, was also included in the leaked targets. This research is related to satellite image-capturing equipment that can be used for military reconnaissance and other purposes.

Lawmaker Seo stated that research project data funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT with 21.5 billion won was also leaked. This technology is related to the high-resolution optical observation camera mounted on the Multi-Purpose Satellite 7 (Arirang 7).

The problem lies in KARI's internal security system. The institute failed to detect the leakage for about eight months after the research data was taken out. Investigations showed that it also lacked proper management systems to verify research data held by retirees or block external leaks.

Lawmaker Seo said, "The fact that national core technologies, which have a critical impact on national security and the national economy, leaked out without any restrictions shows how serious the flaws in security management are," adding, "Since these are core satellite technologies directly linked to security, such as military reconnaissance, a thorough investigation must be conducted into whether they were actually leaked externally."

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