Thailand, China launch VGOS Radio Telescope for earthquake prediction

The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) has officially inaugurated Thailand’s first 13-metre VGOS (VLBI Geodetic Observing System) radio telescope. The ceremony took place at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, located within the Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Center in Chiang Mai.

The VGOS telescope, supported by the Shanghai Observatory under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, will play a vital role in research on geodesy, tectonic plate movement, and earthquake prediction.

Prof Supachai Patumunakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, remarked that the inauguration marks a significant milestone in the advancement of Thai science and astronomy.

He also noted that the event coincides meaningfully with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the People’s Republic of China, symbolising a shared commitment to global scientific progress.

” Thailand takes great pride in contributing to the global body of geodetic knowledge. We strongly believe that science knows no borders. International collaboration in research is not only beneficial, it is essential for tackling the world’s most pressing challenges,” said Supachai.

He added that this joint achievement demonstrates the potential of cross-border cooperation and expressed hope that the 13-metre VGOS radio telescope would serve not only as a critical piece of scientific infrastructure but also as a symbol of enduring partnership and shared vision.

“It represents our joint commitment to expanding research capabilities, advancing high-precision instruments, refining data analysis techniques, and undertaking future scientific missions together. This collaboration opens the door to new discoveries and contributes to a stronger, more resilient relationship between Thailand and China,” he said.

Looking ahead, there are plans to establish a Thai-Chinese Joint Laboratory for Astronomy and Space Technology. The centre will serve as a hub for research, training, and the development of advanced technologies.

By pooling resources and expertise, both countries aim to enhance capabilities in astronomy, geodesy, data science, and instrumentation, particularly in nurturing the next generation of scientists who will drive future discoveries in these fields.

Prof Ding Chibiao, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS), extended his congratulations on the successful inauguration of Thailand’s first VGOS radio telescope—a milestone made possible through close collaboration between Thailand’s NARIT and the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, with strong support from CAS, China’s Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Chinese Embassy in Thailand.

Ding highlighted that this partnership spans multiple disciplines—including astronomy, geology, and environmental science—and has now borne tangible results. He noted that the project is a clear testament to the strong scientific ties between China and Thailand, reflecting both countries’ shared commitment to advancing research, technology, and human capital development.

In particular, the construction of the 13-metre VGOS radio telescope in Chiang Mai stands as a remarkable achievement born of close collaboration and mutual trust.

Despite numerous challenges—especially the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily halted construction and transportation efforts, the teams successfully completed the assembly, installation, and testing of the system.

Ding expressed strong optimism that this facility will yield cutting-edge scientific outcomes in the near future and serve as a foundation for even deeper cooperation between the two nations in science and technology.

Saran Poshyachinda, Director of NARIT, stated that the 13-metre VGOS radio telescope represents a major scientific milestone for Thailand. More than just a technical achievement, it also stands as a symbol of strong collaboration and success between NARIT, under the support of Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Saran revealed that a second telescope of the same type is currently under construction in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Once completed, it will significantly enhance Thailand’s capabilities in radio astronomy and geodesy, while also linking the country to the global VGOS network.

He expressed gratitude to the Royal Development Projects Board and the Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Centre for their support and facilitation in establishing the observatory at this location.

The 13-metre VGOS radio telescope is the product of close cooperation between NARIT and the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory. Under this collaboration, NARIT was responsible for securing the site and constructing the telescope’s support infrastructure, while the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory handled the design, manufacturing, and installation of the telescope and its receiving equipment. The total value of the project exceeds 120 million baht.

Construction began in 2017 and was completed in 2024, with the official inauguration taking place this year.

Saran noted that the second VGOS telescope is currently being constructed at Walailak University in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Once both sites are operational, Thailand will be able to conduct high-precision studies on tectonic plate movement within its territory, providing crucial data for forecasting seismic activity.

The VGOS radio telescope is a cutting-edge instrument designed for geodetic research, also known as Geodesy—the science of measuring and understanding the Earth’s geometric shape, orientation in space, gravitational field, and how these properties change over time. This includes comparative measurements with other planetary bodies.

The system collects data through high-frequency receivers operating in the S- and X-bands (2–14 GHz), utilising the technique of Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI). This method involves synchronised observations using two or more radio telescopes, enabling millimetre-level precision in determining the Earth’s spatial coordinates.

Such precision is crucial for monitoring tectonic plate movement, a key data source in earthquake analysis and prediction. The telescope also supports calculations of various Earth orientation parameters (EOP), including the planet’s rotational velocity and axial positioning in space.

During the event, attendees toured the 13-meter VGOS radio telescope and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. They also visited advanced technology and engineering labs, including satellite assembly and testing, radio signal equipment development, advanced mechanical manufacturing, telescope remote control systems, and mirror coating and anodization facilities at NARIT headquarters. A China–Thailand Geodesy Capacity Development Workshop was also held at Princess Sirindhorn AstroPark, fostering knowledge exchange and strengthening collaboration in geodesy and remote sensing techniques.