GEO Warriors Team from Srinakharinwirot University Wins Champion Award
In a groundbreaking achievement, the GEO Warriors team from Srinakharinwirot University has clinched the champion title at Space Quest 2024 : Launching Thailand Space Innovation & Business. This prestigious event, organized by the National Telecom Public Company Limited (NT) in collaboration with the King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), and managed by the International Aviation Industry Institute (IAAI), aimed to explore innovative ideas and business opportunities in the new space economy era under the theme “New Space Economy of Thailand”.
In its first year, the competition witnessed remarkable entries, but it was the GEO Warriors team that stood out with their innovative project focusing on assessing and monitoring carbon dioxide emissions in Thailand’s mangrove forest reserves. Their pioneering work not only impressed the judges but also earned them the coveted champion award, along with a scholarship grant of 50,000 Baht. Congratulations to the GEO Warriors team for their outstanding achievement, paving the way for future breakthroughs in the realm of space exploration and environmental conservation.
Mr.Thanade Chalermwat, an Executive Vice President of the Satellite and Network Operations Group at National Telecom Public Company Limited (NT), took the stage to announce of the champion awards on February 20, 2024.
In his address, Mr.Thanade emphasized “NT’s commitment as a leader in providing telecommunications services in Thailand. Focusing on fostering innovation and technology knowledge among students and youth, considering them as the continuous future of the nation. Consequently, NT actively supports initiatives such as the innovation idea competition and business feasibility program, Space Quest 2024 : Launching Thailand Space Innovation & Business. In collaboration with the King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), this inaugural event aims to promote research and development in space innovation, as well as to maximize the benefits of technology in alignment with national development policies. This direct communication effort targets the younger generation across educational institutions nationwide, preparing them for future careers closely linked to advancing technology.”
The esteemed committee for this project comprises five highly qualified individuals:
1. Dr.Sittiporn Channumsin, Director of Space Technology Research Center from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), a state enterprise.
2. Assistant Professor Dr.Wutthichai Bunnaphuk, a faculty member of the Geography Department, Faculty of Social Sciences, Srinakharinwirot University.
3. Dr.Potiwat Ngamkajornwiwat, a faculty member of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at PIM, one of the co-founders of the KEETA team.
4. Associate Professor Dr.Warut Pannakkong, a faculty member of the Industrial Engineering and Logistics Systems Department at the Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT), Thammasat University.
5. Mr.Pariwat Wongsamran, the Director of Startup Thailand, the Innovation Agency of Thailand (NIA), a state enterprise.
This distinguished panel brings a wealth of expertise and experience to ensure the success and integrity of the project. Their collective knowledge will undoubtedly contribute significantly to the participants.
The GEO Warriors team from Srinakharinwirot University has emerged as the champion of the Space Quest 2024 : Launching Thailand Space Innovation & Business competition, securing a scholarship grant of 50,000 Baht. Their innovative concept focused on assessing carbon dioxide emissions in mangrove forests using space technology.
Claiming the first runner-up position, with a scholarship grant of 30,000 Baht, is the LittleMAX team from the Panyapiwat Institute of Management (PIM). Their groundbreaking idea involves protein bars derived from sunflower sprouts for space travelers.
Meanwhile, the KMUTT Nano-Sat Propulsion Team (KSPT) from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi has been awarded the second runner-up position, along with a scholarship grant of 20,000 Baht. Their project, Rocketeer, proposes the installation of a high-thrust propulsion system for CubeSat satellites to reduce orbit insertion time.
The Space Quest 2024 project has received an overwhelming response, with a total of 25 teams from educational institutions across the country participating in the initial round. Following a rigorous selection process, the final 10 teams were chosen to attend the Workshop with Mentor held on February 8-9, 2024. Each team received a scholarship grant of 15,000 Baht to support the production of their projects for the final pitching day.
