Thailand is making significant strides in its space endeavors through the Satellite Assembly Integration and Testing Center (AIT) situated at the Space Inspirium in Sriracha district, Chonburi province. Managed by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), this facility boasts advanced amenities such as a clean room and satellite test bench, essential for research and development activities. Key users of the AIT’s services include Mu Space Corp, a prominent Thai spacecraft and satellite manufacturer, and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF).
The AIT center has recently conducted critical examinations on the RTAF’s Thai Universe-1 satellite, evaluating its resilience under extreme space conditions through rigorous vibration and temperature assessments. These tests are part of the center’s comprehensive offerings, which encompass mass property evaluations crucial for determining a satellite’s center of gravity.
Looking ahead, the AIT center is gearing up to implement electromagnetic interference tests, aiming to enhance its testing capabilities further. The reliability of the AIT’s testing infrastructure has been affirmed by Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) in the United Kingdom, validating its adherence to both UK and international ISO 9100 standards.
Notably, the AIT center has recently facilitated testing for Thailand’s upcoming THEOS-2A satellite, slated for launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in India later this year. Developed collaboratively by GISTDA engineers and SSTL experts over a span of two years, THEOS-2A is designed to orbit 520 kilometers above Earth’s surface. It will play a pivotal role in fulfilling national objectives, including agricultural management, disaster response, and resource mapping.
