Beyond Horizons
Trailblazing Tales from Asia
Your exclusive gateway to the latest developments across transportation and space, and most importantly, how to finance it all - debt, equity, and defi! We follow and forecast where the money’s at.
Join us as we navigate through the latest roundup to uncover key developments across the region.
**Nothing in this article is intended to be or should be construed as legal or financial advice.**
Announcements
I’m pleased to announce that I will be speaking at the Ishka Aviation Finance Festival: Asia on September 4 at Conrad Singapore Marina Bay.
The inaugural event offers a focused exploration of the Asia-Pacific aviation finance market, bringing together key players such as airlines, lessors, investors, MROs, and lenders. The festival provides valuable insights on capital movements, transaction trends, and risk profiles shaping the region’s aviation finance landscape.
I look forward to seeing familiar and new faces and contributing to this important industry dialogue!
Learn more about the event here.
Events
The Advanced Air Mobility Asia Symposium (AAM Asia)
The Advanced Air Mobility Asia Symposium (AAM Asia) will take place from September 16-18, at Aichi Sky Expo, Japan. The event will explore Asia’s evolving Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) ecosystem, covering use cases, infrastructure, air traffic management (ATM/UTM), MRO, and regulations.
Learn more about the symposium here.
MRO Asia-Pacific 2025
MRO Asia-Pacific 2025 will take place from September 16-18 at the Singapore Expo Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event brings together over 300 solution providers and more than 6,000 industry professionals from airlines, lessors, MROs, OEMs, and suppliers for networking, learning, and business growth opportunities.
Learn more about the event here.
Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC (ITAP) 2025
Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC (ITAP), the region’s leading Industry 4.0 event, will return to Singapore EXPO from 15–17 October. The event connects global industry leaders and innovators to accelerate digital transformation, showcase cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, and promote sustainable industrial practices.
Learn more about the event here.
Thailand Space Expo 2025
Thailand Space Expo 2025 will be held from October 16 to 18 at ICONSIAM in Bangkok. Organized by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), the event will showcase developments in space and geospatial technology. It will feature exhibitions, panel discussions, and opportunities for industry networking, drawing participants from government, academia, and the private sector. The expo aims to highlight current capabilities and foster collaboration in the regional space sector.
Learn more about the Expo here.
Super Terminal Expo (STE) 2025
Super Terminal Expo (STE) 2025 will take place at Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld-Expo from November 4-6, gathering over 4,000 global aviation and transport professionals. Supported by Hong Kong International Airport, the event focuses on innovative planning and development of intermodal transportation hubs, featuring 120+ exhibitors showcasing solutions for passenger and cargo operations, smart terminal automation, and rail integration.
Learn more about the event here.
Summary
Financing & Investments: NSW Invests AU$26.2M In Clean Tech For Low-Carbon Future; XCMG And Thailand’s O.C.R. Sign $14M Deal For Electric Mining Trucks; IFC Invests $20M In India’s Transvolt Mobility EV Platform; NITI Aayog Proposes Easing Chinese Investment Rules In India; Arkema To Build $20M Transparent Polyamide Plant In Singapore; and Thailand’s Spacely AI Raises $1M To Expand 3D Automation Globally
Environmental Sustainability: Australia Launches ev.gov.au to Support EV Adoption; ResponsAbility Invests $15M in India’s August Energy Renewables; Malaysia Attracts RM1.9B for Renewable Energy Projects; Singapore-Indonesia Vanda RE Secures 2.2 GWh Battery Storage Deal; and Singapore-UK Partner to Fund $93.7M Clean Energy Projects in SE Asia
Aviation: SouthPAN Completes Critical Design Review for Advanced Aviation Navigation; ICAO Secures Asia-Pacific Commitments for Digital Travel Modernization; AVIC Reduces Stake in Cirrus Aircraft, Raising HK$700M; ANA Adopts Lufthansa’s Lido Flight 4D for Improved Flight Planning; and Singapore Launches Asia Pacific Sustainable Aviation Centre
Advanced Air Mobility: Asia-Pacific Launches Regulatory Guide for Advanced Air Mobility; China Opens First Composite Wind Tunnel for Low-Altitude Aircraft Testing; XPeng AeroHT Raises $250M to Scale Flying Car Production; Shanghai’s TCab Tech Signs $1B eVTOL Deal with UAE; and Hyundai Develops Mobile Drone Station for Forest Reforestation
Marine: Itochu to Launch World’s First Ammonia Bunkering Vessel by 2027; Malaysia to Host First ASEAN Future of Maritime Conference; Philippines Debuts First Electric Transfer Vehicle Fleet at Manila Port; Singapore Launches 100% Biodiesel-Powered Harbour Vessel; and Amogy Raises $23M to Expand Ammonia-Powered Maritime Tech in Asia
Space: Australia-Led Consortium Plans Low Earth Orbit Satellite by 2028; China Launches Tianzhou 9 Resupply Mission to Tiangong Space Station; India-US Set for NISAR Earth Observation Satellite Launch; NASA-JAXA Complete Quiet Supersonic Jet Wind Tunnel Tests; and Thailand to Launch THEOS-3 Satellite with Advanced Agricultural Sensor
Financing & Investments
Asia-Pacific governments and companies are investing in clean technology and sustainable development. From Australia’s low-carbon projects and Thailand’s electric machinery to India’s EV growth and easing of Chinese investment rules, the region shows ongoing commitment to greener, more innovative industries.
Australia
The New South Wales Government is investing AU$26.2 million in clean technology projects to support the state’s move towards a low-carbon economy. Through the Clean Technology Innovation grants, 13 projects across various sectors, including maritime, aviation, agriculture, and energy storage, are receiving funding to advance from research stages to commercial use. This initiative is part of the larger AU$275 million Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative aimed at boosting innovation and strengthening local industries.
💡The funded projects focus on reducing emissions and improving sustainability through technologies such as robotic hull cleaners, low-emission fertiliser systems, and solar energy advancements. Funding for each project ranges from AU$400,000 to AU$5 million, with a goal to complete all work by 2028.
China-Thailand
XCMG Machinery and Thailand’s O.C.R. Company Limited have signed a procurement deal worth over 100 million RMB (around USD 14 million) to supply pure electric mining trucks and new energy loaders. The agreement, announced during their 20th-anniversary event in Pattaya, supports Thailand’s shift toward low-carbon construction solutions and aligns with the country’s “4.0” development strategy.
💡The two companies plan to deepen their cooperation to deliver more green and smart construction machinery, contributing to Thailand’s infrastructure modernization and sustainable economic growth.
India
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has invested $20 million in Transvolt Mobility, marking IFC’s first equity investment in an electric vehicle platform in India and worldwide. This funding will support Transvolt’s plan to grow its electric fleet to 3,500 vehicles and generate over 8,000 jobs within five years, aiming to deploy 8,000 heavy-duty electric buses and trucks across India.
💡India’s push toward clean transportation targets electrifying hundreds of thousands of buses and trucks, along with a significant share of small commercial vehicles.
India-China
India’s top policy think tank, NITI Aayog, has proposed easing restrictions that require Chinese investments in Indian companies to undergo extra government scrutiny. Under current rules, all Chinese investments need security clearances from both the home and foreign ministries, causing delays for major deals such as BYD’s shelved $1 billion electric vehicle joint venture. The proposal suggests allowing Chinese firms to hold up to a 24% stake without prior approval, aiming to boost foreign direct investment (FDI) which has sharply declined in India in recent years.
💡The recommendation is being reviewed by several government bodies amid ongoing efforts to improve India-China relations following border tensions. The rules, introduced in 2020 after clashes along their shared border, only affect investments from neighboring countries, primarily China. Any policy changes are expected to take months and will require political approval.
Singapore
Arkema is investing around US$20 million to build a new Rilsan® Clear transparent polyamide production unit at its Singapore site, expected to be operational by early 2026. The expansion will triple the company’s global capacity for bio-based transparent polyamides, addressing rising demand in markets like eyewear, consumer electronics, healthcare devices, and home appliances.
💡Arkema’s Rilsan® Clear grades offer high transparency, flexibility, chemical resistance, and performance over a wide temperature range. The materials also feature significant bio-based content and are fully recyclable through Arkema’s Virtucycle® program.
Thailand
Thailand-based AI startup Spacely AI has raised $1 million in a Seed funding round led by PropTech Farm Fund III, with participation from industry leaders including Wannaporn Phornprapha, Ted Poshakrishna Thirapatana, and Mek Srunyu Stittri. The funding will accelerate development of its 2D-to-3D automation engine, expand into the U.S. market, and support global sales and marketing efforts.
💡Spacely AI’s platform helps architects speed up workflows by automating 3D modeling and AI-powered rendering, fully integrated with SketchUp and expanding to other CAD tools. Having grown revenue tenfold in the past year and serving 1,500+ firms worldwide, the company aims to boost creativity, reduce costs, and help architects close deals faster.
Environmental Sustainability
Asia-Pacific is accelerating its clean energy transition through coordinated investments, infrastructure planning, and international partnerships. Governments and private sectors are expanding renewable capacity, deploying advanced energy storage, and supporting EV adoption to meet ambitious climate targets. Cross-border collaboration, especially between Singapore and the UK, signals growing momentum to finance and scale sustainable infrastructure in the region.
Australia
The Australian government has launched a new website, ev.gov.au, dedicated to educating the public on electric vehicles (EVs) and supporting EV adoption. A key feature is the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) Mapping Tool, which combines data on existing and planned fast chargers, traffic, population, grid capacity, and amenities to help guide national investment and planning of EV charging infrastructure through 2034.
💡The site also lists state incentives like the Electric Car Discount and green loans from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.
India
Global impact asset manager ResponsAbility will invest up to $15 million in August Energy, an energy-as-a-service platform based in Singapore with operations across India, Thailand, and the Philippines. This funding will help August Energy expand its distributed renewable energy projects in India, aiming to grow its installed capacity to over 1 gigawatt within five years, supporting India’s renewable energy targets and global net-zero goals.
💡August Energy specializes in decentralized energy infrastructure for commercial and industrial clients, offering rooftop solar and integrated utility services like cooling and steam-as-a-service. The investment is part of ResponsAbility’s $500 million climate strategy in Asia, focusing on scalable private-sector infrastructure that drives measurable carbon reductions. Institutional investors including Aravest and Green Tower back August Energy.
Malaysia
Malaysia’s renewable energy push under the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme is set to attract RM1.9 billion in investment, with 48 new projects approved across biogas, biomass, and small hydropower sectors. These projects, expected to supply green electricity to Tenaga Nasional Bhd by 2028, support the government’s target to raise renewable energy’s share to 70% of the national electricity mix by 2050.
💡The Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA) said the initiative aligns with Malaysia Madani’s goals of sustainability and innovation, aiming to boost energy reliability and domestic industry growth. Of 59 applications submitted in an e-bidding round earlier this year, 48 met requirements, including 20 biogas projects (30.93MW), eight biomass projects (53.5MW), and 20 small hydropower projects (96.82MW).
Singapore-Indonesia
Vanda RE Pte Ltd, a joint venture between Singapore’s Gurīn Energy and Gentari International Renewables, has signed a framework agreement with battery maker CATL to secure up to 2.2 GWh of EnerX battery energy storage systems for its Vanda Solar & Battery Project in Indonesia’s Riau Islands.
💡The project will feature 2 GWp of solar capacity and 4.4 GWh of battery storage, with batteries manufactured at CATL’s new Karawang factory, supporting Indonesia’s goal to build a regional battery and renewable energy hub.
Singapore-UK
Singapore and the United Kingdom have launched a partnership to accelerate the clean energy transition and sustainable infrastructure development across Southeast Asia. Announced during UK Secretary of State David Lammy’s visit to Singapore on July 12, 2025, the UK pledged up to £70 million ($93.73 million) to Singapore’s Financing Asia’s Transition Partnership (FAST-P) initiative.
💡The funding, managed by British International Investment (BII), will support low-carbon energy projects, boost energy security, and drive climate resilience through blended finance and early-stage project assistance.
Aviation
Asia-Pacific aviation is advancing on multiple fronts: satellite navigation upgrades will boost safety and efficiency; digital border controls aim to streamline growing passenger traffic; investment moves signal industry expansion, especially in China; airlines adopt smarter tech for fuel savings; and sustainability is a rising priority with regional collaboration to cut emissions. Together, these trends reflect a region modernizing rapidly amid rising demand and climate pressures.
Australia-New Zealand
The Southern Positioning Augmentation Network (SouthPAN) has completed its Critical Design Review, a key step toward providing advanced satellite-based navigation services in Australia and New Zealand. The project, led by Lockheed Martin Australia with GMV as a partner, is backed by the Australian and New Zealand governments. The review confirmed that SouthPAN’s design meets strict safety and performance standards needed for use in civil aviation, moving it closer to being certified and fully operational.
💡SouthPAN offers precise positioning services for aviation and other sectors like agriculture, maritime, and transport. It is built as a flexible system that can grow and improve over time without needing new hardware. Early services have been available since 2022.
Asia-Pacific
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has secured commitments from Asia-Pacific Member States to modernize air travel, focusing on faster border crossings and enhanced digital services. Agreements reached at ICAO’s Facilitation Regional Forum in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, support the rollout of digital travel credentials and improved border management systems, which are expected to especially benefit developing nations and island states.
💡The forum highlighted the need for standardized, interoperable systems to manage the region’s projected growth to 12.4 billion passengers by 2050.
China
Cirrus Aircraft’s Chinese parent, Aviation Industry Corp. of China (AVIC), has sold 4.78% of its stake in the U.S.-based aircraft maker, raising nearly HK$700 million. The July 3 block trade, priced at a discount, reduced AVIC’s holding to just over 80% and has prompted speculation about a broader capital raise to expand Cirrus’ small public float. Despite the sell-down, Cirrus shares held above HK$40, maintaining much of the strong gains seen in 2024.
💡The move follows a major rebound in Cirrus' stock since its muted Hong Kong IPO last year, fueled by solid financial results and easing geopolitical concerns. Analysts see room for further growth, with Cirrus trading at a lower P/E than U.S. rival Textron. Investors are now watching for signs of a follow-on offering to bring in more institutional capital and support the company's expansion.
Japan
All Nippon Airways (ANA) has chosen Lufthansa Systems’ Lido Flight 4D flight planning solution to enhance its operational efficiency and safety. The system offers advanced route optimization, automated flight planning, and improved fuel efficiency by integrating real-time data such as weather, airspace restrictions, and airline-specific information.
💡Central to the implementation is Lido Flight 4D Integrated Flight Support (IFS), which combines planning, monitoring, and in-flight support, enabling ANA to elevate flight management standards across its global network.
Singapore-Asia Pacific
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has established the Asia Pacific Sustainable Aviation Centre (APSAC) to advance sustainable aviation across the Asia-Pacific region through policy research, collaboration, and capacity building.
The Centre will work closely with an Advisory Council comprising key industry and finance partners including Airbus, Boeing, Chevron, ExxonMobil, GenZero, IATA, and Neste. APSAC aims to support Asia-Pacific states in achieving both aviation growth and climate goals by facilitating research on cleaner fuels, carbon accounting, green financing, and driving joint projects and training programs to promote sustainable aviation policies.
💡APSAC’s immediate priorities include engaging regional states on sustainable aviation needs, partnering with private sector and academic stakeholders, initiating joint studies and trials, and delivering capacity-building initiatives.
Advanced Air Mobility
Asia-Pacific advances advanced air mobility with new regulatory frameworks and cutting-edge technologies. China enhances testing capabilities and secures major funding and orders for flying cars and eVTOL aircraft. Meanwhile, South Korea’s Hyundai innovates with drone-based reforestation tech.
Asia-Pacific
Civil aviation authorities from 24 Asia-Pacific countries have jointly developed and launched “Reference Materials for Regulators” to support the regulation of advanced air mobility (AAM) operations, including air taxis and drones. The materials aim to facilitate safe adoption, reduce regulatory risks and costs, and accelerate industry development across the region.
The documents cover certification, entry into service regulations, inter-agency cooperation, economic policies, capability building, and social acceptance, with ongoing updates planned to address emerging technologies and operational concepts. The materials will also be submitted to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for potential global adoption.
💡The initiative marks the first regional collaboration of its kind and is expected to promote widespread use of drones and air taxi services, supporting economic growth and innovation in the low-altitude transport sector.
China
A new composite wind tunnel tailored for low-altitude aircraft testing has begun operations in Guangzhou, developed by the Guangdong Aerospace Research Academy (GARA). The 4.5-meter-class tunnel — the first of its kind in China — is designed for testing drones, air taxis, and other urban air mobility vehicles. It integrates traditional systems with windshaper technology, enabling precise airflow simulation for agile aircraft and shortening testing cycles.
💡The facility is expected to accelerate development and commercialization of next-generation flight technologies by reducing costs and enabling faster validation. GARA also plans to launch a “Bay Area No.1” data-sharing platform to promote collaboration between companies and research institutions.
China
XPeng AeroHT has secured a further $100 million in Series B2 funding, bringing the total raised in the Series B round to $250 million.
💡The financing will support the company’s efforts to ramp up production of its modular flying car, the Land Aircraft Carrier, with mass production expected to begin in 2026.
China-UAE
Shanghai-based TCab Tech has signed a memorandum of understanding with UAE company Autocraft for the purchase of 350 E20 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, valued at $1 billion. The agreement marks the largest single intent order for eVTOLs in China to date and is aimed at expanding low-altitude tourism and urban air mobility services across the Middle East and North Africa.
💡The E20, TCab Tech’s five-seat eVTOL aircraft, is designed for intercity travel with a range of 200 km and top speed of 320 km/h. The deal follows a partnership formed at the China International Import Expo and includes technical coordination with the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority for airworthiness certification. Deliveries will begin following regulatory approval from China’s civil aviation authority.
South Korea
Hyundai Motor has developed the IONIQ 9 Seed Ball Drone Station, a mobile reforestation unit designed to assist with forest recovery in wildfire-damaged regions, starting with Korea’s East Coast. Built on the IONIQ 9 electric SUV, the vehicle integrates a drone takeoff platform, onboard power via vehicle-to-load (V2L) tech, and an off-road-capable design to reach remote areas for aerial seed ball dispersal.
💡The new station complements Hyundai’s existing IONIQ 5 Monitoring Drone Station and is part of the company’s Smart Forest Restoration Program and global IONIQ Forest initiative. Equipped with a high-capacity seed ball drone and integrated control system, the station enables efficient, low-impact tree planting in inaccessible terrain.
Marine
Asia-Pacific maritime sectors are making strategic moves toward decarbonization and clean energy. Japan and Singapore are pioneering ammonia bunkering vessels, while Malaysia and Australia push regional green shipping policies. The Philippines adopts electric port vehicles, and Singapore tests biodiesel-powered vessels. South Korea’s Amogy advances ammonia-powered ships and power systems. Together, these efforts signal a growing regional commitment to sustainable maritime innovation.
Japan-Singapore
Japanese trading firm Itochu Corporation plans to operate the world’s first ammonia bunkering vessel by September 2027. Its Singapore-based subsidiary has signed contracts with Sasaki Shipbuilding for the vessel and Izumi Steel Works for the ammonia tank system.
💡The 5,000-cubic-meter ship will be based in Singapore and support Itochu’s broader push into the ammonia fuel supply chain. The company is working to develop green ammonia hubs and collaborate on fuel-ready ship designs, aiming to lead in clean maritime energy as other nations explore similar projects.
Malaysia-Australia
Malaysia will host the first-ever ASEAN Future of Maritime Conference this week, bringing together key maritime stakeholders from all 10 ASEAN countries. Co-hosted by Malaysia’s Transport Ministry, the ASEAN Secretariat, and the Australian government, the event aims to promote a greener, safer, and more inclusive maritime future for Southeast Asia. Discussions will focus on maritime decarbonisation, safety, digitalisation, and climate resilience.
💡The collaboration seeks to encourage investment in low-carbon fuels and establish zero-carbon shipping corridors. Australia has committed AU$64 million over four years to support maritime sustainability projects across Southeast Asia.
Philippines
DP World and Asian Terminals Inc. introduced 15 electric internal transfer vehicles (eITVs) at Manila South Harbour, marking the first eITV fleet in the Philippines. The new vehicles, supported by rapid-charging infrastructure, aim to speed container movement and boost terminal efficiency while reducing emissions.
💡The ₱120 million (US$2.1 million) investment aligns with DP World’s 2030 decarbonization goals and the Philippine government’s push for greener ports. Plans include adding more electric equipment, with 95% of the port’s power already sourced from renewables.
Singapore
Singapore has launched the President 100, a 16-metre harbour vessel powered entirely by 100% biodiesel (B100). Developed jointly by Weichai, the China Classification Society (Singapore), Nanyang Technological University’s Marine Energy and Sustainable Development Centre, and Pinnacle Marine, the ship will undergo a 1,000-hour trial in Singapore’s port waters to evaluate the fuel’s performance, emissions, and reliability.
💡Built by local shipyard Pinnacle Marine, the project aims to provide data supporting future standards for biodiesel refueling, storage, and operations. The use of B100 biodiesel represents a step toward maritime decarbonization, with the vessel serving as a model for Singapore’s energy transition and helping to advance global green shipping practices.
South Korea
Amogy has secured an additional $23 million in venture funding, bringing its total raised to nearly $300 million, to accelerate the development of its ammonia-to-power maritime products and expand into the Asian market. Following the successful launch of the world’s first carbon-free ammonia-powered vessel in 2024, the company is partnering with maritime leaders to deploy its technology in new and retrofit ships, supporting global shipping decarbonization efforts.
💡Amogy is also advancing stationary power projects, including a 40 MW ammonia-fueled power system planned for commercial operation in Pohang, South Korea by 2028-2029.
Space
Asia-Pacific space efforts show growing innovation and cooperation. Australia and China advance satellite and resupply missions, India-US focus on climate-monitoring tech, Japan-US test quiet supersonic flight, and Thailand targets agriculture with new sensors. These moves highlight the region’s expanding space capabilities and climate priorities.
Australia
A new Australian-led consortium aims to build and launch a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite by 2028 to boost national space capabilities. Led by Optus, the group includes iLAuNCH Trailblazer, HEO, Inovor Technologies, and the Defence Science and Technology Group. The satellite will be built in Adelaide by Inovor Technologies and operated from Optus’ Belrose facility in Sydney.
💡Two payloads will ride on the satellite. One, developed by HEO and the University of Southern Queensland, features a 20cm space telescope for non-Earth imaging. The second, by the University of South Australia with SmartSat CRC, is a compact laser-based communications terminal.
China
China launched the Tianzhou 9 cargo spacecraft on July 14, delivering 7.2 tons of supplies to its Tiangong space station. The Long March 7 rocket lifted off from Wenchang Satellite Launch Center, carrying food, fuel, scientific gear, two upgraded spacesuits, and new gym equipment for the three Shenzhou 20 astronauts aboard the station.
💡Tianzhou 9 marks the ninth resupply mission to support China’s growing presence in low Earth orbit. Tiangong, completed in 2022, currently has three modules and is about 20% the mass of the ISS. China plans to expand the station and continue its space exploration push, including missions to the Moon and Mars.
India
India and the US are nearing the launch of the NISAR mission, a $1.5 billion Earth observation satellite developed jointly by ISRO and NASA. The launch is expected by the end of July from Sriharikota, pending final reviews now underway at the spaceport.
💡NISAR, in development for over a decade, is the world’s most expensive Earth observation satellite to date. It will use advanced L-band and S-band radar to map the Earth’s surface in fine detail, tracking land and ice movement to help monitor natural hazards and climate change.
Japan-USA
NASA and Japan’s space agency JAXA have completed wind tunnel tests of a scaled-down X-59 QueSST model near Tokyo. The 19-inch prototype was tested at speeds matching Mach 1.4 to validate the jet’s quiet supersonic design. This marks the third phase of testing, with earlier trials held in Japan and the U.S.
💡The X-59 aims to eliminate sonic booms with a special nose and wing design, replacing them with a soft “thump.” The full-size jet, built by Lockheed Martin, is nearly 100 feet long and undergoing final ground tests. A first flight is expected later this year to evaluate noise levels over populated areas.
Thailand
Thailand’s upcoming THEOS-3 satellite will carry a Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) sensor to enhance agricultural monitoring. The sensor captures data in wavelengths beyond human vision, helping assess crop health, soil moisture, drought severity, and optimize planting. Developed by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) and Australia’s LatConnect60, the tool uses wavelengths between 1,000–1,750 nanometers, ideal for detecting subtle plant and soil changes.
💡The two organizations signed an MoU on April 17, 2025, to co-develop and integrate the sensor. With a resolution of 9 meters and an 11 km swath width, SWIR will aid Thailand’s digital economy, food security, and climate goals. THEOS-3, set to launch in 2027, will be locally built with support from Thai engineers and marks a step toward advanced space-tech cooperation.
**Nothing in this article is intended to be or should be construed as legal or financial advice.**