The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the China National Space Administration (CNSA) to develop the capabilities of personnel in space science and technology.
The signing ceremony of the MoU on Cooperation in International Research Stations on the Moon was held on Friday at the Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Centre in Beijing. The event was attended and witnessed by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn while Zhang Kejian, director of the CNSA, delivered a welcome speech at the ceremony.
Minister of the MHESI, Supamas Isarabhakdi, said China's advances in space exploration are far ahead of Thailand's. Thailand would benefit from learning from the knowledge China has accumulated over many decades. The government supports space cooperation between the two countries, she said.
The scope of cooperation covers space exploration with focuses on cooperation in international lunar research stations; space traffic monitoring and management; sharing and using of remote space sensing data; developing capabilities and space manpower such as rocket launching and satellite development science and ground infrastructure; and cooperation in other fields.
Director of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Narit), Saran Posayajinda, said this cooperation was achieved through the support of the princess, who has fostered friendly relations between Thailand and China for many years.
"Thai engineers have potential and skills accepted by China, which has progressed in research, science and technology. This cooperation will help advance the state of technology of Thailand," he said.
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visited the Spacecraft and Satellite Assembly and Testing Centre of CNSA.
The princess viewed an exhibition of models of the Chang'e 7 spacecraft. This spacecraft's mission includes exploring the lunar terrain and its environment.
Thai scientists and engineers led by Narit and Mahidol University offered equipment to explore space conditions between the Earth and the moon, measure cosmic rays and monitor their impact.
This gear was one of the seven pieces of scientific equipment chosen for installation on the spacecraft, which China plans to send to explore the moon by 2026.
