In a significant milestone for Thailand’s space ambitions, the nation’s second earth observation satellite, THEOS-2, soared into the cosmos on October 9th, 2023. The launch, initially scheduled for October 7th, faced a brief setback due to technical issues affecting certain satellite components. Minister of Higher Education Science Research and Innovation, Supamas Isarabhakdi, confirmed the successful launch from the Guiana Space Centre launch pad in French Guiana, South America.
The launch delay was attributed to a precise and cautious approach to resolving systemic problems with the satellite’s equipment. Arianespace, the renowned launch service provider, made a critical decision to postpone the mission just 14 seconds before the scheduled countdown on October 7th. The postponement came after the monitoring system detected an electrical current surpassing the safety threshold set by the Safety Management Unit of the VEGA launch vehicle. Consequently, an automated system promptly halted all launch operations, prioritizing safety above all else.
THEOS-2, with its successful deployment, signifies a significant advancement in Thailand’s space technology and innovation development. This achievement also marks a crucial milestone in Thailand’s nascent space industry, positioning it as a key player in the country’s future technological landscape. The satellite will play a pivotal role in earth observation and contribute to various sectors, including agriculture, disaster management, and environmental monitoring, further underscoring the nation’s commitment to harnessing the potential of outer space for the betterment of its citizens and the world at large.
