Thailand Joins NASA’s Artemis Program to Explore Lunar Economy & Space Tech
Thailand Joins Global Push for Lunar Economy with Artemis Program Collaboration
Bangkok, Thailand – Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) convened a national conference on Monday, March 30, 2026, focused on collaborative research and technology development related to the United States’ Artemis Program. The meeting, held at the Pullman King Power Bangkok, was presided over by Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and included representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Thailand and leading experts in the field.
Dr. Natthawut Hongkanakul, GISTDA Spokesperson and Director of the Space Economic Promotion Bureau, stated that the global space industry is undergoing a significant transition. “We are moving from an era where space technology was dominated by a few government organizations of superpowers, to a ‘New Space Economy’ that is open to private sector and developing countries,” he said. This new era allows for broader participation in the creation of rocket systems, satellites, and new business models leveraging the benefits of space.
GISTDA’s core mission, according to Dr. Hongkanakul, is to enhance Thailand’s space capabilities. He highlighted the historical significance of the moment, noting that What we have is the first time in over 50 years, since the conclude of the Apollo program, that the United States is preparing to return humans to the moon. “The goal isn’t just to visit, but to create a ‘Lunar Economy’ and use the moon as a stepping stone for further exploration of Mars,” he explained.
Achieving this ambitious goal requires a significant upgrade to the space ecosystem, encompassing advancements in rocket engineering, spacecraft technology, lunar landing systems, life support systems for astronauts, advanced communication, lunar mining, space medicine, materials science, and biology. Dr. Hongkanakul emphasized that this represents a wealth of knowledge and technology that will reshape the world, and an opportunity Thailand must seize.
The conference served as a crucial step in advancing Thailand’s space capabilities by bringing together advancements in technology and research from a network of partners across the country. The goal is to analyze collective strengths and determine the most appropriate role for Thailand within international space exploration projects. The discussions will culminate in a “white paper” outlining strategic proposals for collaboration with the United States, specifically NASA, to establish a framework for international cooperation under the Artemis Program.
“Not every generation gets to grow and live through a historic moment like the return of humans to the moon, which is about to happen,” Dr. Hongkanakul stated. “In the coming days, Artemis II will launch into space. I firmly believe that if all sectors perform together to prepare today, we will see Thai technology, the Thai flag, and the participation of Thai people in Artemis III or Artemis IV. The next step for GISTDA and its network of 40 organizations is to transform today’s vision into a tangible action plan to create economic opportunities, upgrade domestic industries, inspire the next generation, and demonstrate to the world that the potential of Thailand can reach the moon.”