한밭대학교

- Recognized for original research topic and excellent research capabilities for developing power system technology for low earth orbit satellites

- Laying the foundation for growth as an independent researcher by conducting research as a principal investigator

□ Hanbat National University (President Oh Yong-jun) announced that Ph.D. student Lee Seung-won of the Department of Electronic Engineering (advised by Professor Han Jeong-gyu) has been finally selected for the '2026 Science and Engineering Doctoral Student Research Grant Program' conducted by the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea as part of the academic succeeding generation support program in science and engineering.

 ○ The Science and Engineering Doctoral Student Research Grant Program is a project that supports science and engineering doctoral students in discovering research topics on their own, establishing research plans, and carrying out projects as principal investigators, with the objectives of strengthening the research capabilities of excellent graduate students, fostering next generation researchers, and expanding research diversity.

□ Ph.D. student Lee Seung-won, selected for this program, will receive a total of KRW 50 million over the next two years to conduct research as the principal investigator under the theme of 'Development of PPU (Power Processing Unit) Power System for Driving Low Earth Orbit Satellite Electric Propulsion Hall Thruster'.

 ○ In particular, through this project, the plan is to enhance the practical effectiveness of the research not only by developing core units of the PPU—such as the Anode Converter, Keeper Converter, and Magnet Converter—but also by developing protection circuits to enhance radiation reliability in extreme space environments and conducting space environment tests.

 ○ Currently, as the development of small satellites and constellation satellites expands domestically, the necessity of localizing satellite propulsion systems is increasing, but the PPU power system, a core component of electric propulsion systems, is a field where the domestic R&D foundation is relatively limited due to high technological barriers to entry.

 ○ Accordingly, through this research, it is expected to secure core power converter design, control, protection, and space environment verification technologies for low earth orbit satellite PPUs, and contribute to the future independence of domestic satellite power electronics and electric propulsion system technologies.

□ Ph.D. student Lee Seung-won has continuously conducted research on the development of power systems for artificial satellites by participating in research projects with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, and the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality (DTaQ) since his master's course, which is of great significance in that he has expanded this research experience into the field of electric propulsion satellite power systems and developed it into more deepened independent research.

 ○ In particular, the research laboratory of Professor Han Jeong-gyu in the Department of Electronic Engineering, to which graduate student Lee Seung-won belongs, is about to verify the actual space environment operation of a DC/DC converter through the 6th Nuri rocket 'Domestic Device and Component Space Verification Support Program' scheduled for launch in 2027, and it is expected to strengthen research capabilities encompassing from the design to verification of space power systems by linking this research foundation with this project.

□ Hanbat National University Ph.D. student Lee Seung-won expressed his aspiration, stating, "I have continuously studied power systems for satellites since my master's course, and it is meaningful that through this program, I am able to expand and deepen my previous research experience into the PPU power system for electric propulsion satellites," adding, "I want to go beyond simple power system development and conduct research considering reliability in space radiation environments to develop technology applicable to actual satellites."

□ Advising Professor Han Jeong-gyu stated, "This selection is the result of recognizing the continuity and expertise of student Lee Seung-won's satellite power electronics research consistently conducted since his master's course," adding, "Taking this selection as an opportunity, we expect him to grow into an expert researcher in the field of space power electronics equipped with research capabilities encompassing design, manufacturing, testing, and verification."