Bangkok, July 9, 2026 — Thailand has taken another significant step toward becoming a satellite system owner rather than solely a satellite user, as the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) announced progress on the THEOS-3 Earth observation satellite project.
For the first time, software systems for both the satellite platform and ground segment have been developed by Thai engineers and have entered testing with real Engineering Model (EM) hardware. The achievement enables Thailand to independently operate and manage satellite missions from tasking and image acquisition through data processing and delivery, strengthening national geospatial data sovereignty while reducing reliance on foreign technologies.

Building on experience gained through the THEOS-2 program, THEOS-3 marks a transition from technology adoption to indigenous system development. The project has focused on developing core software systems in-house, establishing genuine software ownership and providing Thailand with the capability to understand, control, maintain, and further develop critical satellite technologies domestically.

End-to-End Satellite Operations Capability

The software architecture has been designed as an integrated ecosystem, enabling end-to-end satellite operations covering mission planning, in-orbit command and control, data reception, processing, management, and service delivery.

Satellite Software Systems

Key onboard software systems include:
●    On-Board Computer (OBC): Central processing and command system responsible for satellite operations.
●    AOCS Flight Software: Controls satellite attitude determination and control functions.
●    Payload Data Handling Unit (PDHU): Manages image acquisition data, storage, and metadata handling.
●    G-PDM Firmware: Controls satellite power distribution and management functions.
●    Command Handling Unit (CHU): Receives and processes commands transmitted from ground stations throughout the mission lifecycle.

Ground Segment Software Systems

Key ground systems include:
●    Mission Planning System (MPS): Generates imaging plans based on target coordinates and mission requirements.
●    Satellite Operations Center (SOC): Provides satellite monitoring, command, control, and recovery operations, including safe-mode recovery.
●    Flight Dynamics System (FDS): Supports orbit determination, orbit prediction, maneuver planning, and end-of-life deorbiting operations.
●    Payload Processing System (PPS): Processes, calibrates, and generates payload products, including Earth observation imagery.
●    Data Facility System (DFS): Supports data management, network infrastructure, cybersecurity, and system services.
Engineering Model Testing Underway

According to GISTDA, software developed by its engineering teams has now entered integration testing with Engineering Model hardware, beginning with the On-Board Computer (OBC) and Payload Data Handling Unit (PDHU), two of the satellite's core subsystems.

The testing phase is intended to verify software functionality and compatibility with flight-representative hardware, marking an important milestone toward full system integration.
Future activities will expand testing to FlatSat and subsystem integration environments, allowing engineers to simulate end-to-end satellite operations before proceeding to full spacecraft assembly and testing.

GISTDA expects THEOS-3 to enter satellite integration and cleanroom testing at the AIT facility in 2027, representing another major milestone in the development of Thailand's domestic space industry and satellite engineering capabilities.
About Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA)

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Public Organization), under Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, is Thailand’s national space agency responsible for developing space technology and geo-informatics capabilities for national development.

Visit us at http://www.gistda.or.th

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