In a groundbreaking moment for Thai science, NASA welcomed Thailand's first-ever research project aboard a space mission! At 5:11 AM on September 15, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket soared from Cape Canaveral, Florida, launching the Cygnus spacecraft on its NG-23 resupply run to the International Space Station (ISS). On this mission was the Thailand Liquid Crystals in Space (TLC) experiment, reflecting the increasing role of Thai innovation in global space exploration.

The TLC initiative, crafted by a dedicated team at Kasetsart University, delves into the mesmerizing behavior of liquid crystals in microgravity. Its selection for NASA's Commercial Resupply Service (CRS) mission shines a spotlight on Thailand’s emerging contributions to space science, a field once dominated by a select few nations.

A high-profile Thai delegation, spearheaded by Kasetsart University’s Acting President, Damrong Sripraram, witnessed this historic launch alongside representatives from the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) and other pivotal organizations. Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit of this endeavor, aimed at fostering scientific exchange.

Celebrating the milestone, Robyn Gatens, NASA's ISS Director, and Robert Hampton from the US ISS National Lab lauded the Thai researchers, emphasizing this achievement as a pivotal moment for international collaboration in the scientific community.

Six Years of Dedication Pays Off!

Natthapon Chattham, head of the TLC project and a physicist at Kasetsart University, expressed her emotional journey leading to this achievement. "During the pre-launch briefing, being formally welcomed by NASA was profoundly moving. It highlighted six years of hard work recognized by one of the world’s leading space agencies, marking Thailand's entry into the ISS experiment program," she reflected.

As the Falcon 9 rocket blasted off, Chattham felt a surge of pride, symbolizing their resilience against numerous challenges and establishing Thailand's footprint in the global scientific arena.

A Closer Look at the TLC Mission!

The TLC project is set to unfold over three months in the ISS, harnessing a total of 144 experimental hours under the supervision of NASA astronauts, guided by the Thai team. The researchers will operate from two control centers located in Houston, Texas, and Boulder, Colorado.

At the core of the project lies a meticulously designed payload featuring two key components:

1. Control Module - The Heartbeat of the Experiment!

Weighing 15.7 kilograms, this module serves as the backbone of the experiment, managing electricity, water, and air supply—vital for the success of the second module. It integrates seamlessly with the existing KERMIT microscope aboard the ISS.

2. Image Module - Capturing the Crystal Magic!

At 4.0 kilograms, this sophisticated module fabricates liquid crystal films on specially prepared plates, allowing researchers to observe and document changes in crystal formation under microgravity conditions.

The entire mission will be monitored in real time via the ISS network, with high-resolution video recordings stored on an impressive 6-terabyte SSD hard drive.

What’s Next for Thai Science?

Once the mission wraps up, the TLC payload and data will head back to Earth onboard SpaceX-33 in January 2026. This treasure trove of knowledge will be dispatched to Thailand for detailed analysis by the research team and students, paving the way for thrilling discoveries and captivating future generations of Thai scientists!