News
SSC is supporting the launch of Thailand’s high-resolution Earth Observation optical satellite THEOS-2, that was successfully launched from Kourou, French Guiana, on October 9th at 03:36 AM (CEST). The mission is designed to deliver ground-breaking imagery with a 0.50-meter ground resolution.
“SSC is proud to provide critical LEOP support connectivity services to another Airbus-built satellite mission, and to provide routine TT&C support to the Kingdom of Thailand’s national space agency GISTDA. We have long-term relationships working with both customers, and we are honored to have been selected as their key commercial ground station service provider on this important mission,” says Nick Priborsky, President of SSC Connect ground station services.
THEOS-2 (Thailand Earth Observation System-2) satellite serves as a complement to its predecessor THEOS-1, which was launched in 2008 and will be approaching the end of its operational life in the next few years. The satellite is built by Airbus Defence and Space for a nominal service life of at least 10 years, and aims to provide the Kingdom of Thailand with an autonomous capability to acquire high-resolution images from around the world.
With the support of SSC, this mission is set to mark a significant milestone for Thailand’s national geo-information system. The launch of Thailand’s THEOS-2 satellite is a major step forward in the country’s space technology and geoinformatics development. The satellite’s high-resolution imaging will benefit applications like urban planning, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and disaster management, enhancing Thailand’s capabilities in these crucial areas.
SSC will also continue to provide vital support after the LEOP to the THEOS-2 Control Center at GISTDA (Geo-Informatics & Space Technology Development Agency) in Si Racha, Thailand for its routine operations with full backup and emergency TT&C services.
“GISTDA and SSC have been working together since the launch of THEOS-1 in 2008. SSC has played a crucial role in not only providing timely S-band communication service for THEOS satellite recovery but also in helping maintain the continuity of satellite data service at GIDSTA’s S-band antenna. SSC also provides flexibility in all aspects to GISTDA, such as full support and commitment from the technical team,” says Mr Chakapanth Priyanupanth, Head of Satellite and Ground System Division, GISTDA.
The THEOS-2 satellite will fly at an altitude of 621km in a sun-synchronous orbit and will weigh about 425kg at launch.
