Thailand and Singapore Space Agencies sign MOU to spur closer cooperation

15 Feb 2023, Singapore - The Office for Space Technology & Industry, Singapore (OSTIn) and the Geo- Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) of Thailand signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to galvanise space cooperation between both countries.

The MOU provides a framework for OSTIn-GISTDA to work closely together on earth observation (EO) applications, research collaborations, space policy exchanges, industry promotion, as well as efforts in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and space education.

The new agreement builds upon existing OSTIn-GISTDA cooperation on space-related projects at the ASEAN Sub- Committee for Space Technology and Applications (SCOSA). These projects include the sharing of information on satellite assembly, integration and testing facilities.

Under the MOU, OSTIn and GISTDA will exchange information, share best practices, jointly train specialists, hold joint seminars and workshops, and promote STEM and space-related subjects to the younger generation. In addition, both agencies will explore how they can further contribute to regional space developments, including but not limited to projects at SCOSA.

For example, OSTIn and GISTDA will explore cooperating in EO with the services provided by Singapore’s NeuSAR satellite. NeuSAR is a high-performance small satellite that can capture images during both day and night, even when there is heavy cloud cover, rainfall or haze.

The MOU was signed by Mr David Tan, Executive Director of OSTIn, and Dr Pakorn Apaphant, Ph.D., Executive Director of GISTDA, at the Global Space Technology Convention 2023 in Singapore.

“OSTIn and GISTDA share the mutual belief that space technologies and applications can be harnessed for the collective betterment and benefit of humankind. We look forward to working even more closely with GISTDA to strengthen our respective space ecosystems and spur cooperation between Thailand and Singapore,” said Mr Tan.

Dr Pakorn added: “We are very excited that a new dawn of space cooperation between Thailand and Singapore has finally happened. Both countries will not only benefit from this MOU, but we can also extend our effective collaboration to the Southeast Asian region. Our new EO satellites THEOS-2 and NeuSAR are great examples of the value that we can contribute to the global space community. Together, we can expand the regional value of space industry and economy to the next level.”

About the Office for Space Technology & Industry

The Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn) is Singapore’s national space office. OSTIn’s mission is to lead and inspire Singapore in Space, to safeguard and progress Singapore’s interests. OSTIn shapes space policies and international partnerships, grows a globally competitive space ecosystem and talent pool, and supports research and development of space capabilities that serve national imperatives.

For more information, visit www.space.gov.sg

About the Geo-informatics and Space Technology Development Agency

Geo-informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) is Thailand’s space agency. GISTDA is responsible for earth observation operations, space technology research and development (especially for satellites), space infrastructure development, geo-informatics applications and solution services, manpower development on space technology, as well as the establishment of national space law and policy.

For more information, visit www.gistda.or.th