Press Release

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Thailand successfully delivered the research equipment “CE-7 MATCH” to China in advance of the Chang'e-7 lunar exploration mission in late-2026.

August 29, 2025: Beijing, People's Republic of China. The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Public Organization), or NARIT, handed the first-ever Thai scientific research equipment, “CE-7 MATCH,” to China for installation aboard the Chang'e-7 lunar orbiter, which is expected to launch in late-2026. The handover ceremony took place at the National Space Science Center (NSSC) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).  Dr. Pasupha Chinvarasopak, Minister Counsellor (Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation) of the Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing, was also present, as were executives and personnel from both sides.

The "CE-7 MATCH" (Moon-Aiming Thai-Chinese Hodoscope) is the outcome of a collaboration between Thai engineers and scientists, spearheaded by NARIT and Mahidol University in collaboration with leading Chinese research institutions, including the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the China Lunar Exploration Project (CLEP), the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL), and agencies under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), including the China National Space Science Center (NSSC), the Changchun Institute of Optics, Advanced Mechanics, and Physics (CIOMP), the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP), and Jilin University. This collaborative project has commenced since early 2024.

The “CE-7 MATCH” project has been divided into three major phases: First, between October 2024 and February 2025, an Electrical Model (EM) was built and tested to simulate space environment operation, including testing of electronic systems, power supplies, communications, and control systems. The project also included vibration tests from the launch vehicle, as well as electromagnetic conditions identical to those encountered during actual space flights.

Second, the Qualified Model (QM) phase spanned from March to July 2025. We manufactured 81 structural components entirely in-house at NARIT's High Precision Machining Laboratory.  The project specifically used magnesium alloy (MB15), which meets space-grade specifications for light weight, strength, and heat resistance. The QM was additionally coated in nickel and white to minimize solar energy absorption. This step entailed retesting both the electrical and mechanical systems to correct restrictions and mistakes in the EM phase.

The final phase was to put together the Flight Model (FM) for actual installation on the Chang’e 7 lunar orbiter.

The Chang'e Project: The Role of the Thai Engineering Team

The Chang'e Project is the People's Republic of China's lunar exploration program.  The first lunar probe was launched in 2007 and continues to this day.  Several high-profile missions have been launched, the most recent being Chang’e 5, which successfully returned lunar soil to Earth, and Chang’e 6, which successfully landed on the Moon's far side and returned samples to Earth for the first time.

The Chang’e 7 mission aims to explore the lunar south pole, which is expected to have an environment conducive to the establishment of an international lunar research station. The International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) consists of an orbiter, a lander, a rover, a hopper, and a relay satellite.

Thailand has been selected as one of seven countries to provide the scientific instruments to be installed on Chang’e 7, the CE-7 MATCH, measuring 14.6 × 14.5 × 26.5 centimeters. Its primary mission is to measure high-energy particles in lunar orbit to determine the impact of cosmic rays and solar storms on technological systems. The Thai engineering team's key roles include:

• Design and analyze the structure of the device to ensure that it is lightweight, robust, and durable for the space environment.
• Develop software for ASICs to identify the direction of cosmic rays striking the probe.
• Develop data processing software and algorithms for data analysis.
• Develop high-resolution mechanical components with a resolution of up to 5 micrometers for the Qualified Model (QM). The structure was made of magnesium alloy, which is 40% lighter than aluminum. The fabrication process involved delicate steps and required careful attention. Even a small spark can ignite, requiring special expertise and expertise. No public agency in Thailand has a capability to fabricate this kind of material before.

Following the handover ceremony, Thai engineers will participate in calibrating the probe’s energy and direction against standard radiation sources to test the probe's response quality at each angle. They will also enhance the software to accurately determine the radiation source's direction before launching into space in October 2026.

The successful development and delivery of the CE-7 MATCH demonstrates the potential of Thai engineers and scientists in developing advanced space technologies and represents an important step in Thai-Chinese space cooperation. This project not only enhances the capabilities of Thai personnel but also provides access to advanced technology and data essential for space research and innovation. This will support the development of Thailand's space industry, bringing it to international standards and enhancing the country’s long-term scientific and technological competitiveness.

Division of Public Relations,
National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT)
Tel. 053-121268-9 ext 210-211 , 081-8854353
E-mail: [email protected] Website : www.narit.or.th
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