Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

Thailand's first domestically built Earth observation satellite, THEOS-2A, failed to reach its intended orbit after launching from India on Monday. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed that an anomaly occurred during the launch sequence, impacting the rocket's flight path and preventing the satellite from achieving its goal.

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) led the launch at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India. The satellite aimed to enhance data collection for disaster response and environmental protection. Initially, the launch proceeded without issues, but a fault in the rocket's third stage led to an unexpected deviation in its roll rate.

Despite a brief interruption, Gistda livestreamed the launch on Facebook. ISRO president V Narayanan explained the technical anomaly, which was a consequence of the rocket's altered flight path during the third stage. Both Gistda's and ISRO's engineering teams are examining the flight data to understand the failure.

There are two possible outcomes from the incident: the 100-kilogramme satellite either fell back to Earth or reached an incorrect orbit. THEOS-2A represents Thailand's move towards a space economy, inspiring the development of satellite technology within the country. This satellite was expected to provide improved data for policymaking and future technological advancements.

Gistda shared that THEOS-2A could form the groundwork for its successor, THEOS-3, reinforcing Thailand's footprint in space technology. Efforts are ongoing to resolve the issues and learn from the setback, reported the Bangkok Post.

Key Takeaways

• THEOS-2A did not reach its intended orbit due to a mid-launch anomaly.

• Gistda and ISRO are analysing data to diagnose the anomaly.

• The satellite was crucial for Thailand’s space economy and data precision goals.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2026-01-13

 

 

Well duh, no surprise.

Space is fake.

Can't launch nothing into fakeness.

💯0%

8 hours ago, Woke to Sounds said:

Well duh, no surprise.

Space is fake.

Can't launch nothing into fakeness.

💯0%

Strange comment or your satire eludes me

One more deflection from actually fixing Thailand's environment--let's look at it from space.

And how much did R&D plus launch cost the taxpayers?

9 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

One more deflection from actually fixing Thailand's environment--let's look at it from space.

And how much did R&D plus launch cost the taxpayers?

And how much of that money went "elsewhere"?

Thailand's first domestically built Earth observation satellite, THEOS-2A, failed to reach its intended orbit after launching from India on Monday. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed that an anomaly occurred during the launch sequence, impacting the rocket's flight path and preventing the satellite from achieving its goal.

I hope they had comprehensive insurance cover.

How many satellites does Thailand have? (this just says THEOS-2A was the 'first domestically built' satellite). What I mean is how many does it have exclusively for Thai use. Communications, military, weather, etc., even if built by another country for Thailand? I recall it once used transponders on international commercial satellites for TV channels. Not sure if that's still the case.

6 hours ago, webfact said:

confirmed that an anomaly occurred during the launch sequence

Good to know. Probably impurities in the kerosene.

18 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

an anomaly occurred during the launch sequence, impacting the rocket's flight path and preventing the satellite from achieving its goal.

Rockets need more than B/S to operate....

27 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Thailand's first domestically built Earth observation satellite, THEOS-2A, failed to reach its intended orbit after launching from India on Monday. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed that an anomaly occurred during the launch sequence, impacting the rocket's flight path and preventing the satellite from achieving its goal.

I hope they had comprehensive insurance cover.

Pre-existing condition. Denied.

Should have used Space-X, which I believe is even cheaper than ISRO.

...How Much Did That Cost...(?)

...And Were They Steered Wrong Again To Buy Aged/Obsolete Technology...(?)

...Please Follow The Money & Hold Someone Accountable...(?)

...Dreaming...(?)

A Thai satellite being brought into orbit by an Indian rocket? Now that is playing "high noon" in satellite positioning.

Call Kim Jong un next time .............

I’m sure the money could be spent better in addressing issues with the countries infrastructure. It’d probably be cheaper to buy the information they require from countries who have successful space agencies. This is more of a dick swinging exercise to other countries in the immediate region in my opinion.

Better spend money for Disneyland 😀

9 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand's first domestically built Earth observation satellite,

Should this read - Cambodia observation satellite - IMO its destruction is good!

Why lunched from India?

40 minutes ago, WebGuy said:

Why lunched from India?

Probably the cheapest option, as Thailand does not have space launch capacity.

And remember, Thailand wants to be a technology hub. Excluding extra-terrestrial technology?

39 minutes ago, WebGuy said:

Why lunched from India?

Because India has a thriving satellite industry. India has reportedly put 430 satellites into orbit on behalf of itself and other nations.

4 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

One more deflection from actually fixing Thailand's environment--let's look at it from space.

And how much did R&D plus launch cost the taxpayers?

The satellite aimed to enhance data collection for disaster response and environmental protection. What do you even know about the national needs for data collection? You are such an all knowing farang.

imagine this... everybody get paid

but there was never a real working satellite in the first place

failed launch, poof... all evidence gone

1 hour ago, WebGuy said:

Why lunched from India?

vindaloo curry powder used as a solid fuel?

2 hours ago, WebGuy said:

Why lunched from India?

Because the Isaan Bang Fai lauch site has a poor track record.

8 hours ago, hotchilli said:

I hope they had comprehensive insurance cover.

I worked for a satellite company and they would build two satellites. The first fitted with the payload and the second just the frame but with out the payload. The if anything went wrong on launch there was a back up already partly built just needing the payload fitted. For commercial satellites at least.

I also worked on an Ion drive satellite that was 2 years late so fortunately missed its launch on the first Ariane 5.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp_D8r-2hwk

Almost as good as this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl7IqyEyqhY

And this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71AwkBt3_ts

Watching Musk's stuff is quite satisfying.

Not enough viagra onboard, thus, failure to reach orbit. 🙂

9 hours ago, ronnie50 said:

How many satellites does Thailand have?

They have the Thaicom series of geostationary satellites at at 78.5 degrees East and latterly

50.5 degrees East orbital slot which they almost lost due to not utilising that orbital position

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40043531

They probably have some military stuff.. weather and cubesats/amateur stuff floating around up there too.

There is a huge earth station in Siri-cha if I remember correctly to beam up the programs to the satellites.

Thailand being near the equator could be a good launch site for satellites.

16 hours ago, WebGuy said:

Why lunched from India?

Thailand can only launch Lanterns or fireworks... and that doesn't always go well.

India was probably chosen as a package deal for more tourists

UPDATE

GISTDA Presses on After THEOS-2A Launch Fails to Reach Orbit

Pictures courtesy of MGR

Thailand’s Earth observation mission suffered a setback after the THEOS-2A satellite failed to enter orbit as planned, following a malfunction involving the Indian launch vehicle. The incident means the satellite and 15 others were not deployed, although authorities confirmed there was no risk to people or property on the ground.

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) said the launch took place on Monday, 12 January 2026, at 11.48am, using the PSLV-C62 rocket operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). A technical fault occurred during the latter part of the rocket’s third stage, affecting attitude control and causing the flight path to deviate from the planned trajectory. As a result, THEOS-2A could not be released into its intended orbit.

According to ISRO’s assessment, the rocket and satellites re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere and burned up over the southern Indian Ocean. The area is remote and far from populated regions, and officials stated there was no danger to the public or to assets on the ground.

THEOS-2A was designed to operate at an altitude of around 500 kilometres above Earth, a range well matched to the PSLV launch system. The PSLV rocket has a long operational history, having carried out 63 satellite missions in total, with 60 deemed successful. This equates to a reported success rate of 95.24 per cent, considered high by international aerospace industry standards.

GISTDA confirmed that THEOS-2A was covered by launch insurance, which includes provisions for rebuilding the satellite and conducting a new launch in the event of failure. Discussions are now under way with relevant partners to determine the next steps. GISTDA said it would provide further updates once a clear plan for rebuilding and relaunching has been agreed.

Manager online reported that despite the failure to reach orbit, GISTDA emphasised that the project demonstrated Thailand’s growing capability in satellite development and space technology. The agency said the experience and knowledge gained from building THEOS-2A would be applied to future satellite projects. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening national expertise in space technology to support development across multiple sectors.

Key Takeaways

• THEOS-2A failed to reach orbit after a PSLV-C62 rocket malfunction on 12 January 2026.

• ISRO confirmed the rocket and satellites burned up over the southern Indian Ocean with no public risk.

• GISTDA’s launch insurance covers rebuilding and relaunching the satellite.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from MGRonline 2026-01-14

 

 

Bangkok.......we have a problem.