Bangkok: The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has announced an invitation for Thai citizens to join in a "countdown to history" as the Thai-developed science equipment, CE-7 MATCH, is scheduled for launch into lunar orbit on August 24th.
According to Thai News Agency, the CE-7 MATCH, which stands for Moon Aiming Thai-Chinese Hodoscope, is a scientific instrument designed and developed in Thailand. It will be part of the Chang'e-7 lunar exploration mission, marking a significant milestone for Thai science and technology. The launch is set to occur at approximately 7:00 AM Thailand time from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan Province, China, although the exact time may vary due to weather and engineering conditions.
Dr. Penpisut Chintasophon, spokesperson for MHESI, emphasized the importance of this event, stating that it represents not just the launch of scientific equipment but also the aspirations and achievements of the Thai people. He highlighted the participation of Thai scientists and engineers in international space missions as a crucial step forward.
The CE-7 MATCH is one of seven international scientific instruments selected for this lunar mission. It was developed through a collaboration between the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) and Mahidol University under a Thai-Chinese partnership. The instrument aims to study cosmic rays and high-energy particles in space and explore the relationship between the sun, Earth, and the moon.
Professor Dr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, along with his delegation, will attend the launch at the Wenchang Space Launch Center. They will witness the launch of the Long March-5 Y14 rocket, which will carry the Chang'e 7 spacecraft and the CE-7 MATCH instrument into space. This mission highlights Thailand's growing capabilities in science, technology, and space and strengthens space cooperation between Thailand and China.
The public is invited to watch the live broadcast of the Chang'e 7 launch along with the CE-7 MATCH on August 24, 2026, starting at approximately 6:00 AM. The broadcast will be available through NARIT, the Ministry of Education, Thai PBS, Thai PBS Sci and Tech, and YouTube channels NARIT_Thailand and OBEC Channel. This event is a significant step for Thailand on its journey to the moon, and all are encouraged to participate in the countdown and show support for Thai scientists and engineers.