Meet ‘ZIRCON’: GISTDA’s Space Traffic Management System

   In an era of rapidly advancing space technology, the opportunity for space exploration and utilization of space is no longer a distant dream. As the number of satellites and spacecraft continuously grows, it is becoming a new global trend in the space economy.

   However, this rapid development has transformed space from once an empty unreachable area into a crowded vicinity filled with satellites and objects. This congestion could potentially lead to orbital chaos or even a catastrophic event that could prevent humanity from using space forever.

   Therefore, the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Public Organization) or GISTDA has developed a space traffic management system called ZIRCON. This system is designed to provide early collision warnings between Thai satellites and other space objects. ZIRCON eliminates the need to rely on foreign warning systems that are costly and might have limited early warning durations.

   Dr. Sittiporn Channumsin, Director of the Space Technology Research Center (S-TREC) and an expert in orbital mechanics, explained, "Space is like a road with traffic that needs to be managed. Currently, there are over 36,722 objects larger than 10 centimeters orbiting in space that the ZIRCON system can track."

   "ZIRCON monitors objects that come within 10 kilometers of each other. This is considered an appropriate distance because objects in space orbit at speeds of about 7-8 kilometers per second. At these speeds, even a one-second error could cause a collision, damaging and potentially creating a large amount of space debris, which could lead to a chain reaction that makes space unusable," he added.

   ZIRCON uses data from the Space Surveillance Tracking and Monitoring System (GARNET), which monitors objects in orbit through ground-based optical telescopes. Then if a potential collision is detected, the traffic management system can provide up to a 7-day warning and assist in analyzing orbital changes to conserve fuel and avoid collisions with other objects. Currently, ZIRCON monitors the THEOS and THEOS-2 satellites, which are both operated by GISTDA, as well as tracking foreign rocket debris that may fall and cause damage in Thailand.

   In addition to monitoring and increasing the safety of Thai satellites, the development of ZIRCON contributes to overall space safety by reducing the chance of new space debris and minimizing the risk of collisions between satellites, spacecraft, and other debris orbiting the Earth at high speeds. This helps preserve space for future generations.

   At the same time, ZIRCON, which utilizes knowledge of orbital mechanics and space object tracking, plays an important role in developing Thai personnel and enhancing Thailand's readiness to develop technology, build on knowledge, and support future space exploration missions and projects. This demonstrates the potential and capabilities of GISTDA's researchers, engineers, and staff that can solve complex problems for Thailand and global benefit.

   GISTDA's ZIRCON system received the "Excellent Invention Award" at the National Research Awards for the 2025 fiscal year and was selected as one of the projects presented to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at the 'Inventor's Day 2025' event at the BITEC Exhibition and Convention Center on February 2nd.