Thailand mulls plan to build own satellites

Thailand is considering a plan to build its own satellites to enable the country to pursue its earth exploration and research ambitions.
Bangkok (NNT/VNA) - Thailand is considering aplan to build its own satellites to enable the country to pursue its earthexploration and research ambitions. 

Minister of Science and Technology Suvit Maesincee attended ameeting on December 27 with executives of all related offices under theministry’s supervision, during which he provided an update on the issuesdiscussed at this week’s Cabinet Retreat in Sukhothai province. 

Suvit said that the Cabinet touched on a mission to implementall government initiatives under the Pracharat policy to inspire children andthe country's youth to become more interested in science and technology whilehelping find capable individuals to prepare Thailand for the 21st century. 

The minister added that the government is particularly keenon pursuing a Big Bang plan, which is a small satellite project for domesticuse, comprised of a 100-kilogram satellite for Earth exploration and a researchsatellite that would weigh between 50 kilograms and 100 kilograms. 

Suvit said that the budgets for the two units are estimatedat 400 million THB and 375 million THB, respectively. 

He went on to say that the government has also beenconsidering the setting up of a National Innovation Biobank to accommodate theintegration of three targeted industries: herbal medicine, future medicaltechnology and an industry for the elderly.-VNA
VNA

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