The Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology, led by Assistant Professor Dr. Sethakarn Prongnuch, Head of the Robotics Engineering Program, together with Associate Professor Dr. Sirilak Ketchai, Vice President for Digital Technology, was assigned by Associate Professor Dr. Chutikarn Sriviboon, President of Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, to participate in the Thai–Chinese Technical Seminar on Space Science and Deep-Space Exploration Engineering in Wenchang, Hainan Province, People’s Republic of China, from August 22–25, 2026.
The seminar was part of the preparations for the launch of the Long March 5 Y14 rocket, which is scheduled to carry the Chang’E-7 spacecraft into space in 2027. The spacecraft will carry a Thai-developed scientific instrument known as the Chang’E-7 Moon-Aiming Thai-Chinese Hodoscope (CE-7 MATCH). The instrument is designed to measure cosmic radiation and high-energy particles from space, as well as investigate the relationship between the Sun, Earth, and Moon. CE-7 MATCH is a collaborative project developed by the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Public Organization) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.
As part of the collaboration, Assistant Professor Dr. Setthakan Prongnut, Head of the Robotics Engineering Program, was assigned to provide consultation and guidance on project planning for the establishment of a center of expertise for the research and development of the CE-7 MATCH scientific instrument.
The delegation also visited the Wenchang Space Science Center, a learning center and exhibition venue showcasing space technology and related innovations. The center is located near the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site, one of China’s major rocket launch facilities.
The activities were carried out under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University and the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Public Organization). The collaboration aims to promote the development of knowledge and human resources in space science in Thailand, while supporting the advancement of Thai expertise onto the international stage.
