On August 9 (Wednesday), the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST, President Hong Gi-hoon) held an information session to present the Chollian Geostationary Ocean Color Imager 2 (GOCI-II) and introduce the London Protocol Engineering Master of Project Administration (LPEM) program for foreign diplomatic delegations in Korea. The events began at noon at Hotel Grand Ambassador in Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea.

The event was held as part of the 6th KIOST Technology Fair. At the event, KIOST outlined the progress it has made on the development of GOCI-II and establishment of the LPEM program.

GOCI-II, slated for launch in 2019, will cover a wide range of temperate, tropical, and subtropical climates, as it is capable of observing an area that includes the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, on both sides of the equator. It will also observe various marine areas in the northern and southern hemispheres. However, to enhance the processing and accuracy of the satellite data, it is necessary to compare and validate the satellite data with field data. Diplomatic delegations from India, Sri Lanka, Fiji, and other countries situated within the observational area of GOCI-II attended the event, which will hopefully accelerate the establishment of an international inspection and correction network for GOCI-II.

In addition, KIOST’s LPEM was introduced as a program for public officials from all countries around the world that aims to foster professional working-level officials capable of carrying out projects to build infrastructure for sailing and coastal areas. The program’s faculty will consist of scientists and researchers from KIOST and other research institutes around the world.

“Based on the successful operation of GOCI, the world’s first geostationary ocean color imager, KIOST is currently in the process of developing GOCI-II,” explained Hong Gi-hoon, the president of KIOST. “This event highlights the incredible progress that has been made in the development of GOCI-II.” He added, “I will strive to create a global network through the LPEM program, which is expected to become a professional and practical engineering graduate school program in ocean studies.”