NARIT News
Celebrating 9 Years of Successful Collaboration
Between NARIT and IGN at TNRO-ITAC Meeting
Chiang Mai, Thailand — May 26, 2025
The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) and the Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN) of Spain commemorated nine years of strong scientific collaboration during the first day of the International Technical Advisory Committee for System Integration & VLBI Development for the Thai National Radio Astronomy Observatory (TNRO-ITAC) meeting held in Chiang Mai on May 26, 2025. The full TNRO-ITAC meeting was held over three days, from May 26 to 28, 2025.
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The event celebrated the enduring partnership centered on the twin 40-meter radio telescopes in Thailand and Spain. This collaboration has significantly advanced Thailand’s capabilities in radio astronomy and fostered international cooperation in space science.
The ceremony featured distinguished speakers from both institutions and diplomatic representatives, who reflected on the milestones, challenges, and future vision of the collaboration. Dr. Saran Poshyachinda, Executive Director of NARIT, remarked that the partnership represents more than shared technology — it embodies a shared vision and commitment across borders to push the frontiers of astronomical research. Over the past nine years, the collaboration has grown stronger through knowledge exchange, innovation, and mutual respect. Dr. Pablo de Vicente, Director of Yebes Observatory and TNRO-ITAC member, shared his insights on the rewarding experience of providing guidance and expertise to support the growth of TNRO, emphasizing that the collaboration has blossomed into a true scientific friendship benefiting both institutions and the global community. Joining online, Dr. José Antonio López Fernández, Deputy Director General for Astronomy and Geodesy at IGN, highlighted the progress of TNRO as a testament to the achievements possible through international partnerships and expressed pride in continuing support for NARIT. Representing Spain’s diplomatic mission in Thailand, Mr. Vicente Cacho López de la Calzada, Deputy Head of Mission, delivered a congratulatory address, underscoring the importance of science diplomacy and long-term cooperation between the two countries.
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| On 23 March 2017, NARIT and IGN signed an MoU to formalize collaboration. The visit included lectures and an overview of Yebes Observatory’s development. |
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| Thai National Astronomy Observatory | Yebes Observatory |
The event also reflected on the partnership’s journey, recalling the first NARIT visit to Yebes Observatory in July 2016 to explore telescope design options. The Krabi Brainstorming Workshop in September 2016 was cited as a pivotal moment when foundational lessons from Prof. Jesús Gómez González, Founding Director of Yebes Observatory, shaped the project’s philosophy of self-reliance, skill-building, and patience. The signing of the formal Memorandum of Understanding in March 2017 marked the official launch of the partnership.
Since then, multiple staff trainings, workshops, and joint projects—such as the development of holography and VGOS receivers—have taken place between 2017 and 2024. Dr. Pablo de Vicente, a long-standing ITAC member, has provided strategic guidance, technical reviews, and ongoing mentorship. His annual visits to Chiang Mai, timely feedback, and open-door support at Yebes have been instrumental to TNRO’s growth and global integration.
Looking forward, the partnership has not only strengthened Thailand’s position in radio astronomy but also laid a strong foundation for future collaborations in geodesy and deep space observation. Both NARIT and IGN are eager to continue this shared journey of discovery.
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TNRO-ITAC, appointed in 2018, oversees the development of the Thai National Radio Observatory, which comprises the 40-meter Thai National Radio Telescope (TNRT) and the 13-meter VGOS dish. The committee convenes annually in Chiang Mai to provide strategic guidance and ensure the observatory adheres to international standards in radio astronomy and geodesy. Its key responsibilities include overseeing technical specifications, advising on project planning, reviewing progress, assessing technical feasibility, and fostering international collaborations.
TNRO-ITAC committee, under the leadership of Chair Professor Hideyuki Kobayashi (NARIT/NAOJ, Thailand/Japan) and Secretariat Dr. Busaba Kramer (MPIfR/NARIT, Germany/Thailand), comprises the following members: Dr. Tasso Tzioumis (ATNF, CSIRO, Australia), Professor Zhi-qiang Shen (SHAO, P.R. China), Professor Jinling LI (SHAO, P.R. China), Dr. Gundolf Wieching (MPIfR, Germany), Professor Yashwant Gupta, (NCRA-TIFR, India), Dr. Mareki Honma (NAOJ, Japan), Dr. Kee-Tae Kim (KASI, South Korea), Dr. Do-Young Byun (KASI, South Korea), Dr. Pablo de Vicente (IGN, Spain), Associate Professor Agnieszka Słowikowska (JIV-ERIC, The Netherlands), Professor Michael Garrett (JBCA, the University of Manchester, U.K.)
More information
1. Yebes Observatory
https://astronomia.ign.es/en_GB/web/guest/icts-yebes/acercade/que-es-el-observatorio-de-yebes
2. Thai National Radio Astronomy Observatory
https://www.narit.or.th/en/observatory/thai-national-radio-telescope