To build on the long-standing friendship between China and Thailand, advance bilateral cooperation in the space sector through existing Asia-Pacific cooperation frameworks, and further strengthen partnerships between Harbin Institute of Technology and Thailand’s leading research institutions and universities, Associate Dean Zhi Xiyang led an HIT SOA delegation on a visit to Thailand from May 19 to 22. During the visit, the delegation held extensive working meetings with the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), and King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), making substantial progress on a number of collaborative initiatives. The delegation also included Professor Li Huayi (Aerospace Engineering), Professor Chen Yanhong (Mechanics), Professor Ma Yufei (Optical Engineering), Associate Researcher Ran Guangtao (Control Science and Engineering), Associate Professor Jiang Shikai (Optical Engineering), and Li Zhao, Director of HIT SOA’s Student Affairs Office.

On the morning of May 19, the delegation’s first stop was NARIT in Chiang Mai. Deputy Director Wiphu Rujopakarn introduced the institute’s history and research programs, including Thailand’s cooperation with China on lunar exploration missions such as Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8. The two sides exchanged views on the latest developments in astronomical observation and future research priorities, reaching agreement on collaboration in areas including deep-space exploration, astronomical observation satellites, and the joint training of early-career researchers. They also reached a preliminary agreement on a satellite mission carrying an astronomical telescope. That afternoon, the delegation toured NARIT’s research facilities and observatories, viewing major installations including Southeast Asia’s largest optical telescope, the 13-metre radio telescope jointly developed with the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, and the engineering prototype of Thailand’s space weather monitor selected as a payload for the Chang’e-7 mission.

At the invitation of HIT SOA, NARIT plans to pay a reciprocal visit to HIT in early June 2026 together with the CAS National Astronomical Observatories and the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics.

On May 20, the delegation visited GISTDA, touring its Marine Research Team, Satellite Manufacturing Team, Space Research Team, and Signal Reception and Imaging Team. The visit provided a comprehensive overview of Thailand’s current capabilities and future development plans in geographic and environmental monitoring technologies. The two sides held technical discussions on key topics including satellite technology and optical remote sensing data processing and applications, sharing their latest research findings and engineering experience while exploring the possibility of establishing a joint international laboratory.

Building on these discussions, HIT SOA formally invited the Thai partners to visit the University.

On May 21, the delegation visited the International Academy of Aviation Industry (IAAI) at KMITL and met with Vice President Wisanu Pecharapa, Dean Soemsak Xooyen, Deputy Dean Pititat Itsarivapinyo, and other university representatives. Dean Soemsak Xooyen noted that KMITL and Harbin Institute of Technology have enjoyed a strong partnership over many years, recalling the visit to HIT by Executive Vice President Anuwat Jangwanitlert and his delegation in November 2025. He expressed the hope that the current visit would further strengthen strategic cooperation in talent development, aerospace, and other areas. Associate Dean Zhi Xiyang introduced the latest developments at HIT SOA, highlighting the University’s achievements in lunar and Mars exploration. He noted that China and Thailand share a long-standing friendship and that the partnership between the two institutions rests on a solid foundation. He expressed confidence that both sides would achieve major collaborative breakthroughs in aerospace while expanding cooperation in joint student education and shared research platforms, contributing to closer educational and scientific ties between the two countries.

The two sides reviewed progress under their existing partnership and held detailed discussions on topics including in-situ lunar construction technologies and the joint education of aerospace engineers. They signed a memorandum of understanding and formally concluded the Cooperation Agreement for International Students Studying in China between Harbin Institute of Technology and King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang.

The visit further strengthened HIT SOA’s partnerships with Thailand’s leading research institutions and universities while expanding collaboration in deep-space exploration, astronomical observation, space technology, and aerospace talent development. Looking ahead, HIT SOA will continue to align its international partnerships with the evolving priorities of China’s and Thailand’s space programs and actively broaden cooperation with leading aerospace institutions around the world.

一审：宋子畅

二审：陈东萍

三审：智喜洋