THEOS-3: Thailand’s next generation Earth Observation Satellite

THEOS-3: Thailand's next generation Earth Observation Satellite

Thailand's space industry is taking a giant leap forward with THEOS-3, the next-generation Earth observation satellite. It will follow the footsteps and success of the THEOS-2 satellite, which GISTDA, or the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, just unveiled its first high-resolution images on May 15.

Building on the success and the foundation of space infrastructures and know-how gained by GISTDA engineers, the THEOS-3 satellite will continue to support various uses of satellite data such as government planning, management, research, and educational purposes.

The THEOS-3 satellite will be an Earth observation microsatellite that will be launched into Sun-synchronous orbit by 2027. It was designed and developed under the research and consultant with potential users from multiple organizations, to ensure the maximum utilization of satellite data. With a focus on agriculture, pollution, natural resources, and disaster prevention being the priority and the base for designing the mission.

Likhit Waranon, head of satellite development and manufacturing division for the Assembly Integration and Testing Center, stated that THEOS-3 has undergone its first Preliminary Design Review, the formal inspection process of the satellite design, along with all of the sensors and payloads. The assembly of the engineering model is planned for 2025, followed by the integration of the flight model by 2026, which led to the scheduled launch in 2027.

With the proper infrastructure and know-how for satellite manufacturing, THEOS-3 will be mostly designed and engineered by the Thai space industry and assembled at GISTDA's Assembly Integration and Testing Center, in the Space Krenovation Park, Chonburi. This will be the home for THEOS-3 satellite during its crucial testing and assembly phases, before being shipped out for launch into Earth orbit.

GISTDA's development of the THEOS-3 satellite will be part of the propelling force for the Thai space economy, from knowledge transfer to supporting the multi-agency collaboration across all entities in Thailand. To use space technology and information for country development, and push Thailand's capability to be at the forefront of the next space age, building from the success of THEOS-2 mission.

Based on the demands of potential users and agencies, THEOS-3 will continue to support Thailand's utilization of satellite data for the general public benefit. This is in alignment with GISTDA's mission of being an organization that brings together the values of space technology and geo-informatics for the greatest benefit of humanity.

Stay connected with GISTDA's social media and website for further updates on the THEOS-3 satellite, and explore how you can be a part of this intriguing mission.