Professor Dr. Anek Laothammatas Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation visited to International Institute of Space Technology for Economic Development (INSTED), King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB). Then also visited the laboratories on 4th floor at The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS) building, including the INSTED laboratory, RF and Microwave Laboratory, Anechoic Chamber for Antenna Measurement by Prof. Dr. Theerawut Boonyasopon, Chairman of the KMUTNB Council, Prof. Dr. -Ing. habil. Suchart Siengchin, Acting President of KMUTNB welcome along with a research team led by Dr. Phongsatorn Saisutjarit, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Udomkiat Nontakaew, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Dr. -Ing. Nisai Fuengwarodsakul, Dean of TGGS, Prof. Dr. Suwat Kuntanapreeda, Asst. Prof. Dr. Thada Suksila, Asst. Prof. Dr. -Ing. Suramate Chalermwisutkul and KNACKSAT team to jointly present.
The Satellite Laboratory was developed for teaching and learning in the Aerospace Engineering program, Faculty of Engineering since 2002. Apart from the use for satellite studies, it also has a range of instruments, equipment, and testers that are constantly being developed for research, and innovation in space technology. It can be said that this satellite laboratory is the starting point of the 1U KNACKSAT satellite that is designed and developed by students and lecturers from KMUTNB. It is the first satellite that is built entirely in every step in Thailand. This satellite laboratory is the main place for KNACKSAT satellites creation, to strengthen the capacity of research, jointly develop and build on the knowledge of space technology to reach the international level.
Moreover, the International Institute of Space Technology for Economic Development has academic cooperation with various departments and universities both in the country and abroad such as the National Astronomical Research Institute, Synchroton Light Research Institute, Suranaree University of Technology, University of Tokyo, Kyushu Institute of Technology and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Besides, a team of students from the KNACKSAT project has also come together to form NBSPACE Co., Ltd., a spin-off company in space technology. The main target is to build the competitiveness of the space technology industry as well as the high technology industry for further promotion and development of Thailand’s space economy.
