THEOS-2 launched into orbit
THAILAND’S SECOND earth observation satellite was successfully launched into orbit from the French Guiana Space Centre on Monday (Oct 9), the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) has announced.
The launch of the Thailand Earth Observation Satellite 2 (THEOS-2) from the site in French Guiana, South America, was at 8:36am Thailand time.
Following the successful launch, Thai staff in the control room at the launch station applauded as the satellite detached from the VEGA Flight VV23 rocket and entered its orbit.
About 10am, THEOS-2 began to transmit signals to Gistda’s THEOS Control & Receiving Station at Si Racha in Chon Buri province.
Taiwan’s FORMOSAT7R and 10 satellites of the European Space Agency were also due to be launched on the same day.
THEOS-2 was originally scheduled to launch on Oct 7 but liftoff was postponed due to a technical problem 14 seconds before launch.
The 425-kilogramme satellite can produce 50-centimetre high-resolution imagery and is tasked with security goals and disaster management. The satellite is expected to improve Thailand’s space technology infrastructure, human resources, space industry, geo-informatics and space technology.
The satellite will also contribute to cartography, agricultural and food management, water management, disaster management, city planning and economic corridors, natural resources and ecosystems, Gistda said.
THEOS-2 replaces THEOS-1, also known as Thaichote, launched on Oct 1, 2008, which has reached the end of its lifespan.