Thailand youth innovation internship program: Satellite telecommunication engineer

Abstract

Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) has initiated a program named the Innovation Internship program, for university students who are interested in space technology, especially telecommunication engineering. The program is also called Ignite star. The aim of the project is for young university students to gain more experience on CubeSat satellites expectedly on VHF/UHF Transceivers. The Student Small Satellite project has been established by APSCO since 2016. There are 3 constellation satellites, which consist of one micro-satellite with the name of SSS-1 at 30 kg and two CubeSats. The two CubeSats have been given the names of SSS-2A and SSS-2B, which are both 3U CubeSats at about 4 kg each. The SSS-2B is led by Turkey and the Thailand team supports the development. These satellites are designed and manufactured by guidance from the space agency and cooperation of the APSCO members. The objective of this program is to promote cooperation, joint development and share the achievements among the members in space technology via hands on satellite development. In this paper presents the Ignite star program, which is an internship student program. The procedure to select the students is described. There are 4 students will have this opportunity to join this training short course. Furthermore, only 2 students, who get the highest score at the end of the ignite star program will participate the SSS-2B satellite testing and training at Turkey about the end of 2019. The program started at the beginning of June and finished at the end of July. The students have been assigned to design their own project in the satellite communication field. There are 4th oral presentations in front of the external examiners, who are the specialist from difference universities. Therefore, GISTDA engineers involve along the project as personal instructors for each student. Moreover, these students are preparing to understand and gain knowledge in satellite communication, SSS-2B specification and satellite testing procedure. GISTDA perceives this as an opportunity for Thailand to gain experience in space technology for students and co-operation with APSCO members. This project will be the great step moving forward to build up the space technology capacity for Thailand.