Date of Birth: June 2, 1978
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Biography
Yi So-Yeon is a South Korean astronaut, engineer, and biotechnologist who made history as the first Korean to fly in space. Born on June 2, 1978, in Gwangju, South Korea, she has achieved significant milestones in both her scientific and academic careers. Yi graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) and later earned her master’s degree and Ph.D. in BioSystems from the same institution. Yi’s journey to space began when she was selected as a backup astronaut in 2006. However, circumstances changed, and she was chosen to replace Ko San as the primary astronaut for the mission. On April 8, 2008, Yi launched aboard the Russian Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft, becoming the first Korean to travel into space. During her mission, she conducted scientific experiments on behalf of the Korean Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) and other Korean institutions. After returning to Earth, Yi continued her contributions to science and education. She has held various academic positions and has been a prominent advocate for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, particularly encouraging young women to pursue careers in these fields.
5 Interesting Facts about Yi So-Yeon
1. Yi So-Yeon is the first Korean to travel into space.
2. She conducted 18 scientific experiments during her mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
3. Yi is one of the few women globally to have flown in space, highlighting the importance of female representation in STEM.
4. She has a Ph.D. in BioSystems, making her not just an astronaut but also an accomplished scientist.
5. Yi has been involved in numerous educational initiatives, focusing on inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Yi So-Yeon
1. “Space exploration is not just about reaching new frontiers; it’s about pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and potential.”
2. “I hope my journey inspires young women to pursue their dreams, no matter how unreachable they may seem.”
3. “Science is a universal language that brings people together from all parts of the world.”
4. “Being an astronaut taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of teamwork.”
5. “The Earth looks so peaceful from space, and it reminds us of our shared responsibility to protect our planet.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Highest net worth achieved: Estimated at $1-2 million
Children
As of now, there is no publicly available information about Yi So-Yeon having children.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia – Yi So-Yeon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yi_So-yeon
2. [NASA – Yi So-Yeon](https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/yi_so-yeon.pdf
3. [Interview with Yi So-Yeon](https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20180408000133
4. [Yi So-Yeon Space Mission Details](https://www.space.com/20007-korea-astronaut-yi-so-yeon.html
