Air Force’s first security satellite Napa-1 launched
The Royal Thai Air Force’s first security satellite was successfully sent into space on Thursday (September 3) at 8.51am Bangkok time from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana.
The Arianespace Vega rocket, Flight VV16, carried 53 satellites from 13 countries, including seven microsatellites weighing a mere 15 kilogram each and 46 nanosatellites, including the Air Force’s first security satellite Napa-1.
This satellite will help the Air Force’s operations in three domains – air, cyber and space – as part of its 20-year strategic plan.
The satellite will also help support the country’s disaster-mitigation measures by providing pertinent data that can be used to prevent forest fires, flooding and drought.
The launch of Napa-1 is an essential first step in space reconnaissance and surveillance for the stability and development of the country.
