The 63rd STSC Concludes: Key Discussions and Strategic Benefits for Thailand

The 63rd STSC Concludes: Key Discussions and Strategic Benefits for Thailand

In early February 2026, Thailand, represented by Pakorn Apaphant, Ph.D, Executive Director of GISTDA, received a unanimous resolution from member states to serve as the Chair of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC) of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS).

The 63rd session in Vienna, Austria, which has officially concluded, saw participation from 110 member states, including the United States, Russia, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, and France. Several key outcomes from this session are highly significant and will provide strategic advantages for Thailand, as detailed in this article.

To provide context, the STSC (Scientific and Technical Subcommittee) is a subcommittee tasked with overseeing space affairs from a practical and operational perspective. Its scope includes Space Traffic Management (STM), Space Weather, and the Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities.

This session proved exceptionally challenging, given the current global landscape marked by geopolitical tensions and international political conflicts. Success required high-level diplomatic neutrality, negotiation skills, and a spirit of compromise to act as a bridge, steering the meeting toward a consensus among diverse member states for the collective benefit of all parties.

The Thai delegation actively participated in discussions and information exchanges with various working groups. This included the Space Sustainability group, covering policy, governance, and safe orbital operations, and the Space Situational Awareness (SSA) group, which focuses on Space Traffic Management, data-sharing mechanisms, and emergency coordination to prevent damage to satellites and orbital assets.

The session also featured the Space and Medicine group, which integrates knowledge and technology from both fields and plans to develop curricula for further study. Additionally, the Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space group addressed the challenges of finding common ground on sensitive issues related to energy and national interests.

Another highlight from the STSC is the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultation (ATLAC). This group focuses on operations and activities related to the Moon, coinciding with the global surge in lunar exploration. Currently, the world lacks a comprehensive Situational Awareness system for objects in lunar orbit, which could pose risks to future exploration missions.

During this session, the Thai delegation did more than just present conceptual reports; we demonstrated empirical readiness through the development of advanced systems such as GARNET (Space Object Surveillance and Tracking) and ZIRCON (Space Traffic Management). These systems provide continuous, high-precision monitoring of orbital objects.

Although the STSC session has concluded, Thailand’s chairmanship has firmly established our presence in the modern space arena. Driven by national synergy under the "Team Thailand" banner, we have showcased Thai potential on the global stage through innovation, technology, and knowledge—seamlessly integrated with diplomacy. This serves as a pivotal opportunity for Thailand to be recognized as a "Trusted Partner" within the global space community.

The path forward involves elevating the Thai Space Economy by leveraging existing expertise and human resources. It opens doors for private industries to connect with the global market and inspires the younger generation through STEM opportunities and future-ready careers. This international exposure aligns perfectly with the growth of the New Space Economy, which is ready to support the workforce of the future.

Having proven our capabilities globally, Thailand is poised to become a regional space leader in Southeast Asia. This encompasses international collaboration, infrastructure development, and knowledge transfer, while fostering regional cooperation to ensure the sustainability of space activities and deliver multi-sectoral benefits.

Finally, GISTDA will disseminate the knowledge and insights gained from the STSC session to the public and collaborate with relevant agencies to maximize the utility of space data and geo-informatics for the Thai people. Educational programs and collaborative developments from the subcommittee will be shared with interested parties as soon as they are ready for release.