ispace, GISTDA, and mu Space Partner for Thai Lunar Exploration Initiative

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ispace, GISTDA, and mu Space Partner for Thai Lunar Exploration Initiative
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 12, 2024

ispace, inc. (TOKYO: 9348), a leader in global lunar exploration, has entered a collaborative agreement with Thailand's national space agency, the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), and mu Space and Advanced Technology Co., Ltd, a Thai satellite and communications firm. This agreement is aimed at evaluating the feasibility of a lunar mission as part of Thailand's "National Space Experiment and Exploration" initiative.

This national program outlines the Thai government's approach to space exploration projects. By signing this memorandum of understanding (MoU), the three entities commit to joint research, development, human resource training, and technological knowledge exchange to support a prospective lunar mission.

"I am pleased to announce the signing of the memorandum of understanding with mu Space and ispace today. This partnership is significant in that it brings together Japan's leading space exploration technology and Thailand's active space technology startup," said Dr. Pakorn Apaphan, Director of GISTDA.

"Thailand is still in the early stages of space exploration, but this collaboration will help us to make great strides forward. In addition, since space exploration will play an important role in the medium-term space road map promoted by the government, we also expect future investment and continued collaboration."

Atsushi Saiki, Executive Fellow at ispace, remarked, "I am very pleased to conclude an agreement with a Thailand's national space agency and mu Space to realize a future new lunar exploration program. I hope that this will become a new bridge between Japan and Thailand for further strengthen of relations between the two companies."

James Yenbamroong, CEO and Director of mu Space, expressed, "We are thrilled to embark on this collaboration with GISTDA and ispace which will lead the development of Thai national lunar program. We believe this will be regarded as a precedent of international Public-Private Partnership between Thailand and Japan in space sector. This collaboration will help mu Space realize the mission to go to moon."

The announcement took place at Thailand Space Week 2024 in Bangkok, running from Nov. 7 to Nov. 9, where Dr. Pakorn Apaphan, James Yenbamroong, and Atsushi Saiki signed the MoU, symbolizing a significant step forward in international space cooperation.