NARIT-Built Payload to Study Cosmic Rays From Lunar Orbit
The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) has confirmed that its CE-7 MATCH payload, short for the Moon-Aiming Thai-Chinese Hodoscope, will be carried aboard China's Chang'e 7 spacecraft when it launches on a Long March-5 Y14 rocket from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on August 24. The instrument is one of seven international scientific payloads selected for the mission and marks the first time a Thai-developed device will operate in lunar orbit.
Measuring just 14.6 by 14.5 by 26.5 centimetres, CE-7 MATCH is designed to measure high-energy particles such as cosmic rays and solar storms once installed on the Chang'e 7 orbiter. NARIT says the device will collect data continuously for three years, helping scientists understand how radiation in deep space affects satellites and other technology operating beyond Earth's protective magnetic field. The project was developed by NARIT and Mahidol University in partnership with Chinese institutions including the China National Space Administration and the China National Space Science Center.
Government Sees Mission as Launchpad for Thailand's Space Ambitions
Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Yotsanan Wongsawat said the CE-7 MATCH mission reflects Thailand's growing capacity in advanced engineering, particularly in meeting the strict "space grade" standards required for components to survive extreme conditions beyond Earth's atmosphere. He said the government views the project as a foundation for developing Thailand's broader space economy and shifting the country from a technology user toward a technology creator.
Beyond the science, officials are using the mission to promote STEM education. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation is working with the Ministry of Education, Thai PBS and Sea (Thailand) to broadcast the Chang'e 7 launch to more than three million students nationwide, with the goal of inspiring young Thais to pursue careers in science and engineering. Coverage of the August 24 launch will be streamed through NARIT, Thai PBS Sci & Tech and the Ministry of Education's MOE 360 platform.
