Thailand’s Excellence Center for Space Technology and Research (Ecstar) has announced the appointment of its new chairman, Col Settapong Malisuwan, who will replace Assoc Prof Khomsan Malisee. Col Settapong currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the House Committee on Communications, Telecommunications, Digital Economy and Society, and will now oversee the development of Thailand’s research properties in space.
Ecstar operates under the International Academy of Aviation Industry at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, and as the new chairman, Col Settapong’s focus will be to establish Thailand as a leader in space research within Southeast Asia, as part of the country’s 20-year development strategy. The center will support start-up businesses that conduct studies on climate change, commissioned by the Spacecraft Commission for Economic and Social Security Subcommittee.
In addition to academic benefits, Col Settapong believes that space cooperation can have a broader positive impact on Thailand. For example, the use of space imaging recently helped manage the haze crisis in the country. As such, the center’s goal is to develop Thailand’s first low-Earth orbit satellites and foster international cooperation with other space agencies.
Under Col Settapong’s leadership, Ecstar plans to open the Space Technology Laboratory in Chiang Rai’s Wiang Pa Pao district, as well as a small in-house satellite development project. These initiatives will help Thailand gain the necessary knowledge and expertise to become a leading player in space technology.
The chairman’s vision for Ecstar is to provide opportunities for Thai students to become involved in space research and help the country expand its knowledge and capabilities in this field. The center will support the country’s 20-year development strategy and help build a strong foundation for Thailand’s future space exploration activities.
In conclusion, the appointment of Col Settapong Malisuwan as chairman of Ecstar is a significant step in Thailand’s pursuit of becoming a leader in space research in Southeast Asia. The center’s focus on supporting start-up businesses and fostering international cooperation with other space agencies, combined with Col Settapong’s vision for the future, will enable Thailand to build a strong foundation for its future space exploration activities.
