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Today in History: Yi So-yeon makes history as first Korean astronaut

4/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On April 8, 2008, the Soyuz TMA-12 mission launched, carrying Yi So-yeon, the first South Korean astronaut, to the International Space Station. The spacecraft successfully docked on April 10 and marked a significant achievement for South Korea in space exploration. The mission concluded with a safe landing on October 24, 2008.

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Story summary

On April 8, 2008, the Soyuz TMA-12 mission launched, carrying Yi So-yeon, the first South Korean astronaut, to the International Space Station. The spacecraft successfully docked on April 10 and marked a significant achievement for South Korea in space exploration. The mission concluded with a safe landing on October 24, 2008.