What Lies Ahead for Thailand’s Outer Space Ambitions?

The postponement of a planned launch nonetheless spotlighted Bangkok’s wider space plans.

By Prashanth Parameswaran

 

   

A past photo of Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who also holds the defense minister portfolio in Thailand as well.

Credit: Flickr/Prachatai

 

Last week, Thailand’s plans to launch a satellite were suspended for the third time in under a year. While this third postponement came as no surprise given the fallout of the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic, it nonetheless spotlighted the broader issue of Thailand’s development of its national space policy and its future trajectory.

 

As I have observed previously in these pages, while Thailand has long had an interest in outer space – with its involvement in areas such as research and development and satellite navigation dating back decades and the involvement of agencies like the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) – over the past few years, there have been efforts to expand aspects of this through various initiatives, including the creation of the National Space Policy Committee and space operations center as well as the development of satellites.

 

Within satellite development, among the developments that had been planned since last year was the launch of Thailand’s first military satellite known as Napa-1, in addition to other communications, survey, and micro satellites already in orbit. After two postponements – one in September and the other in December last year – the launch was expected to occur at the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana on March 24.

 

Full story: https://thediplomat.com/2020/03/what-lies-ahead-for-thailands-outer-space-ambitions/

 

-- THE | DIPLOMAT 2020 04-01

25 minutes ago, webfact said:

nonetheless spotlighted the broader issue of Thailand’s development of its national space policy and its future trajectory

when I g*ogle Thai space program this comes up a lot .. But it looks like an out of control Catherine wheel they are doing a runner from .. Think they got a bit more work to do before they try the satellite thing .. 

 

Edited March 31, 20206 yr by Justgrazing
Sp

Explains the air quality

 

With lower grades you find smoke gets in your eyes.

 

I wonder if Comsodrome wil have space discrimination with dual pricing for more far out people.

 

It is reassuing with so many down to earth issues, tourism in the gutter they are reaching for the stars.

Lets hope they make a big ship and send em all to space. Make my life better! Just sayin....

This...er... Satellite....is it gonna be unmanned, coz they'll need someone 'at the wheel', won't they?

 

I have a suggestion as to who the pilot could be....

As if Thailand needs an "outer space" program! At first I thought that this was an April Fool's story (still may be), but then I saw that the first use would be to launch a military satellite. This at least makes some sense, otherwise how can they locate the navy's submarines when they run aground in the Gulf of Thailand?

54 minutes ago, faraday said:

This...er... Satellite....is it gonna be unmanned, coz they'll need someone 'at the wheel', won't they?

 

I have a suggestion as to who the pilot could be....

Difficulties on the road controlling something, how will it go controlling something remotely?

 

Uranus is the target I believe.

Planning to supply personnel for massage shops on the moon base already? 

They're launching modified Chinese submarines.

HaHa - Quickly made me realize what day it is today!

Ground Control to Major Tom.

Planet Thai here we come!

12 minutes ago, Phuketshrew said:

HaHa - Quickly made me realize what day it is today!

Ground Control to Major Tom.

Planet Thai here we come!

Major Chano Chah you've really failed the grade.

"Your circuits dead, there's something wrong

 Can you hear me Major Som?"

Thais, in my experience, are hugely patient people.  That with the low cost of doing business, something could be done under the right leadership.  The one of the biggest hurdles of space is communications.  Transistors are not well suited for space.  Vacuum tubes are.  A perfect project for Thailand that would benefit space exploration.

1 hour ago, RJRS1301 said:

Difficulties on the road controlling something, how will it go controlling something remotely?

 

The brakes are automatic and no driver to do a runner, should work a treat.

5 minutes ago, soalbundy said:

1 hour ago, RJRS1301 said:

Difficulties on the road controlling something, how will it go controlling something remotely?

 

The brakes are automatic and no driver to do a runner, should work a treat.

unless... 

 -what with labour there so cheap; they have chucked in a Major Tom, and now rely on him responding timely to Earth Control 

  

Know exactly what will happen with Thai outer space ambitions....Disaster

4 hours ago, Justgrazing said:

when I g*ogle Thai space program this comes up a lot .. But it looks like an out of control Catherine wheel they are doing a runner from .. Think they got a bit more work to do before they try the satellite thing .. 

 

That is one spectacular video !!! A must-watch ????

Please send the usurpers on a mission to Pluto. I know a couple of guys in Isaan that can supply the rockets.

Most of Government house are not on this planet anyway, so business as usual.

"Space Program" does not mean they have the means; money, technology; or, even desire to send a rocket into outer space.  A lot of second/third world countries have the technology to build satellites fitted with the hardware/software to accomplish their desire to become a "space aged" country.  As noted in the article they are launching from French Guiana presumably on a French rocket for which they are paying several million USD per launch.  

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Within satellite development, among the developments that had been planned since last year was the launch of Thailand’s first military satellite known as Napa-1,

part of immigrations final solution for tracking Farangs. 

Edited April 1, 20206 yr by NCC1701A

5 hours ago, webfact said:

What Lies Ahead for Thailand’s Outer Space Ambitions?

The only space that needs investigating is the void between the ears of some ministers!

Plenty of jokes flying around.

 

But on a serious note; Thailand has been asked to supply a ladyboy for the International Space Station Project (ISSP).

 

However TAT sent back the message; "Ladyboys, not have in Thailand."

Edited April 1, 20206 yr by owl sees all

Space programs are a giant money pit. Thailand needs to be spending the tax payers money more wisely under these current difficult times with many families jobless.

Edited April 1, 20206 yr by Forza2002

3 hours ago, Thailand said:

Uranus is the target I believe.

So they are recruiting lady boys for the job? 

It's moving ahead slowly but surely.

 

At a top secret air force base today , Somchai 2 was given its first test launch.

 

 

5 hours ago, webfact said:

What Lies Ahead for Thailand’s Outer Space Ambitions?

Just a suggestion but maybe Thailand could provide stable power, clean water, refuse disposal, and pollution control before attempting to escape this planet. 

In all seriousness I think it's ridiculous given the poverty in this county...I say the same about India and their ridiculous space program. 

Legalize weed will increase space travel , and a lot of the ice and jaba users are far ahead of the program .