Thai space device to join China’s Chang’e 7 lunar mission
A collaboration between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) has been greenlit by the Cabinet, as announced by Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi. This partnership will see the development of a space environment monitoring device by Thai researchers.
The device, known as the Moon Aiming Thai-Chinese Hodoscope (Match), is scheduled for deployment on China’s Chang’e 7 lunar mission slated for launch next year. This mission is part of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project.
Supamas disclosed that the collaboration was initiated by the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) and Mahidol University. The device will be stationed at the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the lunar surface to observe cosmic rays from the galaxy and electrons originating from Jupiter.
Additionally, it aims to explore high-energy particle interactions among Earth, the moon, and the sun.
Supamas highlighted that this project marks the first instance of a Thai-developed space research instrument being used in a deep space exploration mission. She stated that this initiative underscores the government’s dedication to advancing scientific research and nurturing human resources in space technology.
The Match instrument, developed by NARIT and Mahidol University, is intended to detect high-energy charged particles and assess cosmic radiation levels in space. It will examine radiation exposure from the moon’s surface and its surrounding space environment.
The device is undergoing assembly and testing, focusing on its electronic compatibility and structural soundness. Magnesium alloy, a lightweight material 40% lighter than aluminium and frequently used in aerospace, is one of the materials utilised in the device’s construction. Supamas noted that no government agency in Thailand has previously employed this material for space applications, reported Bangkok Post.
Ultimately, Match will be incorporated into the Chang’e 7 mission, bolstering Thailand’s role in space exploration.
“This involvement in the lunar research project signifies a major advancement in Thailand’s space technology and innovation development. The initiative will encourage international knowledge exchanges, improve engineering skills, and supply valuable scientific data that has never been examined before.”
The minister concluded that this accomplishment will exhibit Thailand’s capacity in space technology and readiness for future exploration endeavours.
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