Cosmos Thai-Ming: Thailand and China sign MoU for space prowess

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing personnel capabilities in space science and technology has been inked between Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and the China National Space Administration (CNSA).

The MoU signing, which took place at the Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Centre in Beijing, drew high-ranking attendees, including HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and the CNSA Director, Zhang Kejian, who extended a warm welcome to all present.

Supamas Isarabhakdi, the Minister at MHESI, acknowledged China’s superior strides in space exploration and affirmed Thailand’s commitment to drawing from China’s extensive knowledge in the field.

The MoU encompasses aspects of space exploration such as international lunar research stations, space traffic monitoring, and the use of remote space sensing data. It also covers the development of capabilities in areas like rocket launching, satellite development science and ground infrastructure.

The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand’s (NARIT) Director, Saran Posayajinda, ascribed the successful cooperation to the long-standing cordial relations between Thailand and China, nurtured by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Posayajinda expressed optimism that the collaboration would significantly advance Thailand’s technology sector.

“Thai engineers are recognised as competent and skilled by China, which has advanced significantly in research, science and technology. This cooperation will help to progress Thailand’s state of technology.”

The event also included a visit by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to the Spacecraft and Satellite Assembly and Testing Centre of CNSA and an exhibition of models of the Chang’e 7 spacecraft. The spacecraft’s mission is to explore the lunar terrain and environment.

In a significant development, Thai scientists and engineers from Narit and Mahidol University contributed equipment designed to explore space conditions between the Earth and the moon, measure cosmic rays and monitor their impact. This equipment is among the seven scientific tools selected for installation on the spacecraft, slated for a lunar expedition by China in 2026, reported Bangkok Post.