On December 21, the Embassy of Italy in Bangkok celebrated National Space Day with an event at Suankularb Wittayalai Thonburi in collaboration with the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) and Mahidol University. Approximately 200 students participated in the event, providing them with the opportunity to delve into the world of aerospace and understand its crucial impact on agriculture and the environment.
The Deputy Head of Mission, Counselor Francesca Blasone, inaugurated the event with a presentation highlighting Italian achievements in the space sector. Dr. Roberto Molteni, the Agriculture and Environment Attaché of the Embassy, provided a comprehensive overview of the pivotal role of space studies in agriculture and the evolving prospects in this field.
The seminar featured a series of expert presentations addressing specific issues related to space research applications in Thailand. Dr. Sirikul Hutasavi, Head of the Agricultural Economic and Geo-Social Division at GISTDA, explained the functioning of the COSMO-SkyMed system, an Earth observation radar satellite system provided by the Italian company e-GEOS, and its role in agricultural surveillance in Thailand.
The discussion also delved into “food in space.” Following the screening of a video produced by the National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) on AgroSpace, Prof. Dr. Tatpong Tulyananda from Mahidol University explored his project on “Watermeal” in space and its relevance for survival in space.
Lastly, Dr. Chanika Sukawattanavijit, a senior Geo-Informatics specialist at GISTDA, examined the fundamental role of Earth observation systems in ensuring prosperity, security, and resilience on a planet in continuous evolution and in preserving the environment.
At the end of the event, students who won the competition organized by Suankularb Wittayalai Thonburi for their work on Agriculture in Space were awarded.
