Artemis Charts a Course Back to the Moon

Thailand Poised to Make History in Space Exploration

Thailand has taken a significant step into international space exploration by signing the Artemis Accords, a civil space exploration agreement with the United States. As approved by the Cabinet on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) will serve as the primary signatory and coordinating agency for Thailand.

The official signing ceremony was held on December 16, 2024, at the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, presided over by Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of MHESI, with the participation of Mr. Robert F. Godec, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, Dr. Pakorn Apaphant, Executive Director of GISTDA, representatives from NASA, and other relevant agencies.

The Artemis Accords is a significant agreement focused on the peaceful exploration and use of outer space. Initially signed on October 13, 2020, by the United States, Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, the Accords now have 50 participating countries worldwide.

In the ASEAN region, Thailand is the second country to sign the Artemis Accords, following Singapore. Additionally, the Artemis Accords serve to strengthen cooperation in the Artemis Program, NASA’s initiative for lunar and space exploration, ensuring its effectiveness and sustainability on a global scale. This presents a golden opportunity for Thailand to foster advancements in science, technology, and its economy.

Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of MHESI, stated that space technology is one of the government’s ongoing priorities, both in terms of technological development and its application for the nation. Joining the Artemis Accords demonstrates the government’s commitment of acknowledgement of advanced space technology through participation in global space exploration endeavors.

This opportunity will elevate Thailand’s human resources and space industry to a level comparable to other nations. Thailand will be part of driving the exploration and sustainable utilization of space resources. The Artemis Accords will facilitate access to knowledge, expertise, and advanced technologies from member countries, inspiring and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, academics, and researchers in Thailand. Moreover, it will enhance the competitiveness of the public, private, and academic sectors.

Dr. Pakorn Apaphant, Executive Director of GISTDA, stated that Thailand is now entering a new era of space exploration. The country must closely study and collaborate with NASA, forming teams in legal, International Affairs, and technical areas to enable researchers, organizations, and private sectors to be able to fully participate in the Artemis program.

GISTDA will serve as the primary coordinator for Thailand and propose the Artemis Thailand project through the approval process of the National Space Policy Committee.

This signing not only promotes advancements in space technology but also creates new opportunities for Thailand on the global stage, in both academic and industrial sectors, elevating the country’s capabilities and ensuring a sustainable future in space exploration.

#GISTDA #MHESI #NASA #ARTEMIS #ARTEMISTHAILAND #THAILAND #ARTEMISACCORDS #SpaceTechnology #SpaceAgency