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Thailand’s second satellite system for earth observation, known as THEOS-2, has been completed and is now ready for launch. The satellite, designed and developed by Thai engineers through knowledge transfer and capacity building, has undergone assembly and testing. It is currently being kept at the Airbus Test Facility in Toulouse, France, and is expected to be launched from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana in either the end of August or September 2023.

In addition to THEOS-2, Thailand is also preparing to launch THEOS-2A, a small observation optical satellite, scheduled for the end of October from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India. THEOS-2A is currently being kept at the National Satellite Assembly Integration and Test facilities in the Space Krenovation Park located in Sri Racha, Chonburi province.

The mission duration of THEOS-2 is expected to be three years, although the launch schedule and timeline are subject to change depending on associated factors and situations.

The development of space technology and infrastructure is a top priority for the Thai Government. Efforts have been made in establishing the Control Ground Segment, satellite data warehouse, GISTDA’s Aerospace Laboratory of Excellence and Innovation (GALAXI), and National Satellite Assembly Integration and Test facilities at the Space Krenovation Park.

Moreover, the Thai Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) has sent engineers to the UK for knowledge transfer and training in satellite engineering. The goal is to enable Thai engineers to design, manufacture, integrate, and test similar satellites in Thailand. GISTDA also plans to nurture new batches of space engineers and ultimately develop a 100% Thai-produced satellite known as “THEOS-3.”

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