File photo for reference only

 

NASA has launched Thai scientific research into space with the successful deployment of the Thailand Liquid Crystals in Space (TLC) experiment, developed by Kasetsart University, to the International Space Station (ISS). On September 15, at 5:11 am, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying the Cygnus spacecraft as part of the NG-23 mission, which included the TLC project. This marks the first time Thai research has been included in a NASA mission, highlighting Thailand's growing role in global space exploration.

 

The TLC project examines the behavior of liquid crystals in microgravity and was developed by researchers at Kasetsart University. The experiment's inclusion in NASA's Commercial Resupply Service (CRS) mission signifies Thailand's advancement in space science. A Thai delegation, including Acting President of Kasetsart University Damrong Sripraram, attended the launch alongside officials from the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) and the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).

 

Key NASA officials, including Robyn Gatens, Director of the ISS, and Robert Hampton, Director of Payload Operations, praised the Thai team for their achievement. Natthapon Chattham, head of the TLC project, expressed pride and emotion over the momentous occasion, emphasizing the significance of their six-year effort being recognized on the international stage.

 

The TLC mission will operate for three months on the ISS, conducting 144 experimental hours under the guidance of NASA astronauts. The research team will monitor from ground control centers in Houston, Texas, and Boulder, Colorado. The payload comprises two modules: a Control Module, which regulates electricity, water, and air, and an Image Module, which creates liquid crystal films. Real-time monitoring will be conducted, with data stored on a 6-terabyte SSD for analysis upon return to Earth.

 

Once the mission concludes in January 2026, the TLC payload will return on SpaceX-33, with data analyzed back in Thailand. This mission opens new avenues for Thai scientific research, fostering inspiration for future scientists.

 

Key Takeaways

• NASA launched Thai-developed research to the ISS for the first time.
• The TLC project will study liquid crystals in microgravity over three months.
• This milestone showcases Thailand's expanding influence in space science.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-09-16

 

 

Congratulations to the Kasetsart University team involved with this project.

Kasetsart University is really amazing in many areas of Science and Biology too! Many people dont know this.

 

Some fact: Many of the local Thai Avocado you can eat today at the supermarkets called Boot7 and rarely Boot8, were developed by Kasetsart. They did in in the 90's and 2000s, and likely still breeding the next Boot9. 

 

They created this special breed after years of testing, to be able to tolerate the high humidity, the huge amount of fungi in this tropical climate, and the constant high temperature that Avocado trees cant tolerate and cant bear fruits. I have some trees of Boot7 and they are extremely low maintenance, it's incredible, while my other Peterson and 034 trees I gave up already.

 

In maybe another 5-10 years we will have export quality avocados in Thailand, specially the boot8 which is super fatty and sweet, it's like a giant Hass. Tops sells premium Boot7 at 160B/kg, and you Makro sells the lower quality Boot7 for 99B/kg.