On February 27, 2025, a delegation from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), led by Ms. Sayaka Umemura, Manager of the Space Environment Utilization Center, visited the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Thailand Science Park. The purpose of the visit was to explore potential collaborations in future space-related projects.
The visit was welcomed by Dr. Namchai Chewawiwat, Director of the Media and Products Creation Division while Dr. Sanat Wongtaweethong, Deputy Director of Thailand Science Park, provided an overview of the TSP role as an incubator and promoter of the country's science, technology, and innovation. He highlighted opportunities for international research and development collaborations to exchange knowledge and seek partnerships between the two organizations. Additionally, he showcased NSTDA's capabilities in space technology research and development.
The delegation also visited NSTDA’s advanced technology laboratories such as battery charging standards, EMC testing standards for space battery products, FabLab’s engineering prototype development tools and a biotechnology science training room for youth and educators at Sirindhorn Science Home.
As a member of the Thai Space Consortium (TSC), NSTDA has collaborated with JAXA since 2006 through the Kibo-ABC program, utilizing the Kibo module on the International Space Station (ISS) for scientific experiments. Thai students have participated in activities like Asian Try Zero-G and the Kibo Robot Programming Challenge at Japan’s Tsukuba Space Center. In 2019, NSTDA’s BIOTEC researchers sent protein samples to the ISS for crystallization, aiding new anti-malarial drug development, as microgravity-grown protein crystals exhibit superior quality to those on Earth.