Thai start-ups and firms gathered to showcase aerospace and geo-information technology and zero-gravity simulations at the Thailand Space Week 2019.
Thailand Space Week 2019 held by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) is Thailand’s first aerospace exhibition.
Featuring academic forums on aerospace and geo-information technologies, a forum on high-precision satellite location tracking services in Asia.
Via the showcasing of innovative concepts and real-life adaptations in the industrial sector, exhibitors also had the opportunity to be part of business matching sessions between international firms.
Aerospace innovations including human gyroscope devices simulating zero-gravity conditions were showcased. The device is used to familiarize astronauts with spinning spacecraft.
Attendees were able to participate in space orbit simulations using 3D virtual reality headsets. There were roughly 60 information booths.
Thailand’s involvement in outer space has been in research and development and satellite navigation dating back decades. The involvement of agencies like the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).
But over the past few years, Thailand has made efforts to expand the development of its space policy and to expand it through various initiatives. Such as the creation of the National Space Policy Committee and the development of satellites.
Thailand has always had an interest in outer space and this is evidenced by the launch of the new space operations centre.
The Thai military formally launched a new space operation centre to enhance national security in space. The establishment of this facility highlights Thailand’s effort to develop its space capabilities.
The country’s involvement in outer space has been in research and development and satellite navigation dating back decades. The involvement of agencies like the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).
But over the past few years, Thailand has made efforts to expand the development of its space policy and to expand it through various initiatives. Such as the creation of the National Space Policy Committee and the development of satellites.
In October 2018, the founder and CEO of a Thai firm that provides satellite-enabled broadband and mobile connectivity announced plans to establish a venture unit in a move to go international and to create opportunities other than in satellite communications and space tech.
The planned venture unit is being set up this year in partnership with private investors to provide funds to start-ups and medium-sized companies working in new space and deep tech sectors.
An initial fund of $100 million will be established. More funds will be raised, if needed, to support promising start-ups and companies.
Scouting has now begun for innovative start-ups and early-stage businesses with a potential to disrupt the current market by developing products or services that are new to the world and can help improve the lives of people. These may include, for example, artificial intelligence, robotics, space research and deep space exploration.
The establishment of the planned venture unit comes at good timing when investment in space-related activities is skyrocketing.
The recent space technology demonstrations make setting up a venture unit a timely decision.
Experts are extremely optimistic about the sustained growth of the space industry. Without a doubt, the market potential for space-related activities is going up and there’s no stopping right now.
There is likely to be a rise of new start-ups and businesses in the future focusing on commercial space flights, space tourism and in-space manufacturing.
Thailand can benefit from getting involved in the industry sooner rather than later.
