Thailand plans to launch its first industrial-grade Earth exploration satellite this year, Deputy Government Spokesman Rachada Dhnadirek said on Thursday.

The main satellite, THEOS-2, is the product of joint cooperation between 20 Thai satellite engineers, international organisations specialised in space technology and the Geo-Informatics Space Technology Development Agency of Thailand, she said.

The THEOS-2 satellite weighs about 425kg and is equipped with a high resolution camera. It was designed to be used to explore the Earth, for public disaster management and security.

A smaller satellite, THEOS-2A, weighs about 100kg and is a resource survey satellite.

Rachada said that the satellite program is divided into three parts, the first being the satellites; the second is the National Assembly Integration and Test facility, which is located at the Space Krenovation Park in Si Racha district of Chon Buri. The third concerns the development of geo-informatics applications and integrated solutions relating to agricultural and food security, water management, public disaster management, natural resources and the eco system, national security and urban planning.

Rachada said that the space sector is one of ten future industries which will enable Thailand to increase the country’s competitiveness.