A pilot space laboratory will be set up at Wiang Pa Pao Technical College in Chiang Rai to promote space science and develop as a space learning centre in the North, according to the House committee on communications, telecommunications, and digital economy and society.
Settapong Malisuwan, vice chair of the panel, said the project is a collaborative effort between the House committee and the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) to stimulate interest in space science and technology.
He said the initial phase of the scheme will involve setting up a space technology learning centre and a youth camp for a space volunteer programme.
The next stage of the space laboratory project will see the installation of equipment and the training of personnel for the development of scientific equipment and small satellites, Mr Settapong said.
He said when the space laboratory project is up and running, local residents will be equipped with information that can be used in forest and water resource management.
He thanked Gistda and concerned agencies for supporting the project in the northern region and hoped the pilot space laboratory at Wiang Pa Pao Technical College will inspire others to follow suit.
Meanwhile, Gistda is urging people to join its space volunteer programme aimed at promoting a deeper understanding of space technology and geo-informatics.
Khruewan Champangern, Gistda's spokeswoman, said the programme is open to the public who will be enrolled in a 15-lesson online course before they are selected as "space volunteers".
