First Thai observation satellite to be launched into orbit October

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's first earth observation satellite, called THEOS, is being readied for launching into orbit in October this year, Science and Technology Minister Yongyuth Yuthavong said Friday.

The THEOS project represents a co-operation of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the contracted French company EADS Astrium, which has entered its final stage and is expected to be completed in August or September, and be launched into orbit in October as scheduled, the minister said.

EADS Astrium was contracted to build and deliver THEOS by the Thai Ministry of Science and Technology's Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) in Bangkok in 2004.

The THEOS testing programme is expected to begin in February, while installation of its satellite signal receiving systems at ground terminals began early this month. The Thai engineers working for the project have been trained in France, Mr. Yongyuth said.

The minister said the satellite will provide the kingdom with worldwide geo-referenced image products and image-processing capabilities for applications in cartography, land use, agricultural monitoring, forestry management, coastal zone monitoring and flood risk management.

THEOS is intended to help Thailand in implement its agriculture policy with better production follow-up and improved natural disaster management, especially relating to forest fires, flood response, as well as earthquakes, he said.

--TNA 2007-01-26

THEOS to be sent to orbit this Oct

Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Ministry is preparing to send THEOS satellite, the first satellite used to explore national resources of Thailand, to orbit this October.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Prof Dr. Yongyuth Yuthawong (ยงยุทธ ยุทธวงศ์), led ICT officers to press conference on THEOS satellite project. The satellite will gather details of natural resources to develop country and plan for dealing with natural disaster. The project is also aimed at improving officers’ skills about technology and geo-informatics. Eight projects have been set up to develop national natural resources by using information from THEOS satellite.

ICT Minister added that engineers sent to join the training at France in preparation for the THEOS operation in October.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 January 2007

THEOS to be sent to orbit this Oct

Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Ministry is preparing to send THEOS satellite, the first satellite used to explore national resources of Thailand, to orbit this October.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Prof Dr. Yongyuth Yuthawong (ยงยุทธ ยุทธวงศ์), led ICT officers to press conference on THEOS satellite project. The satellite will gather details of natural resources to develop country and plan for dealing with natural disaster. The project is also aimed at improving officers' skills about technology and geo-informatics. Eight projects have been set up to develop national natural resources by using information from THEOS satellite.

ICT Minister added that engineers sent to join the training at France in preparation for the THEOS operation in October.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 January 2007

This is frightening - A Thai Engineered lump of Steel revolving overhead - where can we hide when it comes crashing down?

A discussion with more details can be found at:

http://directory.eoportal.org/pres_THEOSTh...tionSystem.html

Seems this is a copy of a satellite launched for Taiwan in 2004 and is expected to last 5 years....its a turnkey system ....you buy a package and everything is provided including satellite, ground facilities, and training.

Chownah

THEOS to be sent to orbit this Oct

Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Ministry is preparing to send THEOS satellite, the first satellite used to explore national resources of Thailand, to orbit this October.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Prof Dr. Yongyuth Yuthawong (ยงยุทธ ยุทธวงศ์), led ICT officers to press conference on THEOS satellite project. The satellite will gather details of natural resources to develop country and plan for dealing with natural disaster. The project is also aimed at improving officers' skills about technology and geo-informatics. Eight projects have been set up to develop national natural resources by using information from THEOS satellite.

ICT Minister added that engineers sent to join the training at France in preparation for the THEOS operation in October.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 January 2007

This is frightening - A Thai Engineered lump of Steel revolving overhead - where can we hide when it comes crashing down?

Keep your eyes on the road instead, worry about the other lumps of steel that make up buses and lories. Unlike Thai drivers, gravity IS constant.

quote from that eoportal link...

'The THEOS cooperative agreement includes the production and launch of one optical imaging satellite, as well as the development of the ground segment necessary to operate and control the satellite directly from Thailand.'

Jeeze, that last bit is scary! You know that Thais always seem ready to act before thinking first?

'Hey Somchai, satellite signal is a bit weak today...why not use those controls to jiggle the satellite up and down a bit...oh sh*t, not that much.....'

Simon

(retired rocket scientist....)