Thailand's THEOS-2 Beams Back First High-Resolution Images

Thailand's first high-resolution Earth observation satellite, THEOS-2, has successfully captured and transmitted its first images back to Earth, marking a significant milestone in the country's space technology capabilities.

Launched on October 9, 2023, THEOS-2 is equipped with advanced imaging technology capable of capturing details as small as 50 centimeters, a significant improvement over its predecessor, THEOS-1. This enhanced resolution promises to revolutionize various sectors, including agriculture, disaster management, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.

Thailand's THEOS-2 released image: Sanam Luang (Sanam Luang was formerly called ‘Thung Phra Mane’. It is one of the important archaeological sites of the nation, covering 74.16 Rai (11.71 Hectares). Sanam Luang has undergone considerable changes but the opening green field is still remaining for the important activities. From this THEOS-2 image, the tamarind trees around the field can be observed. The Wat Mahathat Yuwarajarangsarit Rajaworamahavihara (Wat Mahathat), which is the first class royal temple, and the Supreme Court complex building laid out in 3 V-sections are placed on the left and right of the imagery respectively. The capability of satellites enables the observation of lined up cars. On the left side, along the Chao Phraya River, boats sailing in various directions and their waves can be seen from the imagery.The benefits of satellites can be utilized for efficient urban planning and management.)

Thailand's THEOS-2 released image: Sanam Luang

The initial images showcase the satellite's remarkable clarity and precision, capturing detailed views of Thailand's diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to lush agricultural fields. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) is currently analyzing these images to assess the satellite's full potential and explore its various applications.

The successful operation of THEOS-2 not only bolsters Thailand's technological prowess but also reinforces its commitment to utilizing space technology for sustainable development and informed decision-making. As THEOS-2 continues to orbit the Earth, it is expected to provide invaluable data that will benefit numerous industries and contribute to a better understanding of our planet.

Credit & Source: https://www.gistda.or.th/home.php

#THEOS2 #SpaceTech #Thailand #EarthObservation #GISTDA

Thailand's THEOS-2 released image: Rama VIII Bridge (‘Rama VIII Bridge’ was built to ease traffic on the Somdet Phra Pin Klao Bridge. It is the 13th bridge across the Chao Phraya River, connecting Borommaratchachonnani Road across the river near Bang Yikhan Liqours Distilery in Bang Phlat District to the end of Wisutthikasat Road near the Bank of Thailand in Phra Nakhon District. THEOS-2 satellite, a high-resolution satellite, captures objects as small as 50 x 50 centimetres, including cars moving on the road, the lush green trees, and the yellow cables running from the tower to the deck. Beneath the Rama VIII Bridge, there is also a public park for the people of Bangkok to relax and unwind. A unique feature of the Rama VIII Bridge, not found in other Bangkok bridges, is that at the top of its tall tower there is a viewing point with a lotus-like structure made of metal and glass which can be seen from the satellite image.)

Thailand's THEOS-2 released image: Rama VIII Bridge

Thailand's THEOS-2 released image: Democracy Monument (The Democracy Monument was built in the reign of King Rama VIII to commemorate the transition from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. The Monument was designed by the Fine Arts Department, emphasising architectural styles that reflect the significance of the governmental transition. The Monument is erected in the middle of a traffic roundabout where Ratchadamnoen Avenue meets Dinso Road. In addition, it marks the kilometre zero point from Bangkok to another destination. With the high-resolution capabilities of satellites, objects sized 50 by 50 centimetres can be clearly observed. These include various architectural structures, the circular base of the monument, all four pillars, and even moving objects such as cars.)

Thailand's THEOS-2 released image: King Rama IX Memorial Park (The ‘King Rama IX Memorial Park’ was formerly known as ‘Nang Loeng Racecourse’. Once completed, this area will be beautifully designed in terms of architecture, featuring a public park with lush green trees that is intended to become a new lung for Bangkok. The space is designed for the public to relax, exercise, and engage in various activities together, including serving as a learning centre about forests and water. The construction design reflects sustainable water management principles, starting from the upstream through check dams, as well as the ‘Three Forests, Four Benefits’ principle. Midstream, the projects "Monkey Cheek", Chaipattana low speed surface aerator, wetland plant areas. Lastly, downstream through new theory agriculture plots, tilapia ponds, and water filtration plants. The satellite imagery captures changes in construction. The image reveals the construction site. Once construction is completed, a change on the site will be clearly seen from the satellite imagery.)

Thailand's THEOS-2 released image: Rommaninat Park (‘Rommaninat Park’ is a large green space in the heart of Bangkok, transformed from an old prison into a public park. It is also a registered historic site by the Fine Arts Department. Various large and small trees, many species of flowers, exercise equipment, sports courts, basketball courts, a skate park, and a playground can be found in the Park. The surrounding area is surrounded by residential homes, temples, and government office buildings. Next to the park is ‘Wat Suthat Thepwararam Rajaworamahavihara’, commonly known as ‘Wat Suthat’, a first-class royal temple. Another benefit of satellite imagery is for planning and developing the green spaces of Bangkok to promote suitability and a healthy lifestyle for the residents.)

Thailand's THEOS-2 released image: Khlong Chak Phra (‘Khlong Chak Phra’ or ‘Khlong Bang Khun Si’ was once part of the Chao Phraya River. Khlong Chak Phra branches off from Khlong Bangkok Noi near Suwannakhiri Temple and connects to the area where Khlong Mon intersects with Khlong Bangkok Yai. The canal is approximately 10–15 metres wide and 5.45 kilometres long. Every year, on the 2nd day of the waning moon in the 12th lunar month, a traditional procession called ‘Chak Phra’ takes place. During this event, a boat bearing a Buddha statue is towed from Wat Nang Chi in Khlong Phasi Charoen through Khlong Chak Phra and Khlong Bangkok Noi out to the Chao Phraya River, then use Khlong Bangkok Yai to returns to Wat Nang Chi. This is the only Chak Phra festival in Bangkok and is the origin of the canal’s name. Nowadays, Khlong Chak Phra serves as a canal for drainage, transportation, and tourism, connecting with other canals such as Khlong Ban Sai, Khlong Bang Ramat, and Khlong Bang Phrom, and also acts as a boundary line along its entire length between Bang Phlat District and Taling Chan District. The satellite allows us to recognize the size of canals compared to the Chao Phraya River, and it also reveals changes on both sides of the canal.)

Thailand's THEOS-2 released image: Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan (Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan or Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), formerly called ‘Wat Makok’, is one of the famous first class royal temples in Thailand. Wat Arun is the Buddhist temple of the Rattanakosin Kingdom situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Presently, it is a well-known site that attracts tourists around the world to visit this landmark. Through the satellite image, the white 82-meter-spire pagoda with 4 small pagodas can be clearly observed. Moreover, THEOS-2 satellite will serve as a tool for developing green spaces and enhancing Thailand’s tourism industry.)

Thailand's THEOS-2 released image: Tha Phra Station (‘Tha Phra Station’ is located at the Tha Phra intersection, which is a key crossing point between Phetkasem Road, Ratchadaphisek Road and Charan Sanitwong Road. Given its significance, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has selected Tha Phra as a major station on the Chalerm Ratchamongkol (Blue Line) of the Bangkok Mass Transit System, serving the public along the routes from Hua Lamphong to Tha Phra to Bang Khae, and from Bang Sue to Tha Phra. Both routes converge at Tha Phra intersection. Additionally, this station is elevated in the middle above the intersection extending in all directions, including Charan Sanitwong-Ratchadaphisek Road and towards Bang Khae on Phetkasem Road. THEOS-2 satellite reveals densely packed residences, buildings, constructions with green areas of vegetation intersection with transportation routes in form of plus signs or crosses. Therefore, satellite imagery becomes a suitable tool for enhancing transportation infrastructure.)

Thailand's THEOS-2 released image: ICONSIAM ("ICONSIAM" is a large shopping centre located on the bank of Chao Phraya River. From the space perspective, the beautifully balanced architecture of the building itself and a wide waterfront area, the River Park, offering a relaxing atmosphere are shown. THEOS-2 captures imagery at an altitude of 621 kilometres above ground, revealing the dense city in the Khlong San area, including the major waterway of the Chao Phraya River, bustling with both small and large boats.)

Thailand's THEOS-2 released image: Wongwian Yai ("Wongwian Yai" is the location of the King Taksin the Great Monument. It is a multi-layered circle surrounded by densely packed residential and commercial buildings. Wongwian Yai serves as a junction connecting four main roads: 1. Pracha Thipok Road, which heads towards the Phra Nakhon side, with the Memorial Bridge serving as a connector to Mahachai Road, Chakrawat Road, leading to Pahurat and Yaowarat (China Town). 2. Phetkasem Road, which leads towards the south of Bangkok and was also the main route to the south of Thailand, including access to Charan Sanitwong Road. 3. Lat Ya Road, which connects to Charoen Nakhon Road and Somdet Chao Phraya Road. 4. Somdet Phra Chao Taksin Road, which links to Suksawat Road, Dao Khanong, and Rama II Road. The satellite imagery allows us to perceive distinctive architecture, highlighting the urban layout from a high perspective. This is suitable for urban development, tourism, and planning to enhance the quality of life for the people.)

Credit & Source: https://www.gistda.or.th/home.php

#THEOS2 #SpaceTech #Thailand #EarthObservation #GISTDA