The Adventure Begins: Partnership between Ecstar and In-Space Missions Limited
The Universe is a vast, mysterious space that has piqued humanity’s curiosity for centuries. While some countries are racing to leave their footprints on the moon, others are keen on unlocking the secrets of the cosmos from the earth. One such nation is Thailand whose very own Excellence Centre for Space Technology and Research (ECSTAR) embarks on an ambitious journey to replicate the scientific triumphs of advanced nations in outer space exploration and technology.
For this exciting endeavour, ECSTAR, a shining beacon under the canopy of King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang’s International Academy of Aviation Industry (IAAI), has announced its partnership with United Kingdom’s In-Space Missions Limited, a partnership that hallmarked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
Chairman of ECSTAR, Colonel Settapong Malisuwan, sees this partnership as a pivotal step in aligning Thailand with other countries in terms of space technology and research proficiency. The collaboration is not just about joining a global brigade for the cosmos but is a leap towards nurturing home-grown talent and initiatives in space affairs.
ECSTAR director, Mr. Charnwit Munikanont and Tony Holt, the Chief Sales and Innovation Officer & Co-Founder of In-Space Missions Limited, graced the signing ceremony with their august presence. The agreement they signed allows ECSTAR and In-Space Missions Limited to set their sights on the stars, together, starting with the development of a collaborative satellite rideshare mission named ‘Faraday Dragon’ within the ASEAN sphere.
This strategic alliance empowers Thailand to participate, and potentially lead, in the international satellite-building landscape. The rigorous journey starts in March of the forthcoming year with a common goal to manufacture a satellite within two years and to operationalize within three years.
Col. Settapong, who ascended to the chairman’s post of ECSTAR in the heart of this year, added another ambitious goal to ECSTAR’s already hefty plate. The establishment has its eyes set on creating Thailand’s first Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, further bolstering cooperation with other global space agencies.
But ECSTAR’s focus doesn’t stop at exploring and developing space technology. In tandem with this, they plan to bolster startup businesses engaged in climate change research commissioned by the Spacecraft Commission for Economic and Social Security Subcommittee. So, while they are exploring the unknowns of the universe, they are also working diligently to understand the planet we call home better.
This exciting story is more than a tale about learning and exploring the universe. It is a testament to human curiosity, our unquenchable thirst to expand the boundaries of knowledge, and our undaunted spirit to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos. As Thailand embarks on this exciting journey, one can only imagine the exciting scientific discoveries and technological leaps that await us in the near future. With the ECSTAR and In-Space Missions partnership, we are one step closer to achieving this dream.
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