THAILAND'S military is drawing up requirements for a second satellite system for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering, to add to its Star of Siam communications-satellite programme.
The Thai armed forces are understood to be looking for a low-Earth-orbiting imaging satellite, providing a resolution of 1m (3ft) or less. The system is required to provide real-time imaging of South-East Asia.
With a 1m resolution, the satellite would be able to provide high-definition images of ground targets. The system could also be employed for border monitoring, military mapping, equipment inventory counts and infrastructure developments.
One option under consideration is remote sensing, allowing the Thai military to task a commercial satellite for specific missions and receive images directly through its own ground station. A number of operators are under study, including Spot Image, Earthwatch, and Lockheed Martin, which is due to launch its imaging satellite in 1997.
Satellite manufacturers are meanwhile expecting Thailand to issue a request for proposals for its planned Star of Siam communications satellite. The deal calls for the launch of two geostationary satellites, each fitted with 24 transponders, with a third spacecraft in reserve.
A Matra-Marconi Space bid had been widely tipped to win the deal, but growing Thai political criticism of the $1.2 billion cost of the programme has thrown the scheme into doubt.
In an attempt to reduce the cost of Star of Siam, Thailand's military is expected to open the programme up to other bidders.
Source: Flight International
