Thailand will launch a new satellite, growing the aerospace industry

A new Earth observation satellite will be launched by Thailand, its first such launch in 15 years, which will be a turning point in the nation's advancement of space technology.

Thailand expects the new satellite to have beneficial applications for industry and society.

Theos-2, a satellite, was slated to be launched on Saturday morning Bangkok time from the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana, according to Pakorn Apaphant, executive director of the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), which oversees the nation's space research and development.

However, the launch was abruptly postponed. Theos-2's launch was delayed owing to "an unexpected malfunction of the spaceship that is carrying Theos-2 to space," according to a senior official from the GISTDA. The new launch date will be determined later, the source added.

Thai and British engineers from Surrey Satellite Technology, a British satellite company, collaborated to develop Theos-2. The gadget will capture photographs in high definition and deliver precise geoinformation. This will assist Thai authorities in mapping cities, gathering data for agriculture, monitoring natural resources, and preventing and responding to natural disasters.

Reporters were informed by Pakorn that Theos-2 data would be accessible to both governmental and nongovernmental organizations, as well as educational institutions, and could be used for commercial gain.

Theos-2 will take the place of the 2008-launched Thaichote satellite.

GISTDA, which was founded in 1971, is an important player in Thailand's development of its aerospace industry. Its mission is to advance Thai space technology in order to elevate the nation to a significant position on the global stage.