# THEOS-1

> Thai Earth observation satellite launched in 2008

**Wikidata**: [Q2036857](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2036857)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/THEOS_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/theos-1

## Summary
THEOS-1 (Thailand Earth Observation System-1) is a Thai Earth observation satellite launched on October 1, 2008, to monitor and collect data about Earth's surface for applications like agriculture, forestry, and disaster management. Operated by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), it was Thailand's first high-resolution Earth observation satellite.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: October 1, 2008, at 06:37:16 UTC from Dombarovsky, Russia.
- **Mass**: 715 kg (launch weight), 633 kg (dry weight).
- **Operator**: Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), Thailand.
- **Manufacturer**: Astrium (now Airbus Defence and Space), France.
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit, designed for Earth observation.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Dnepr rocket (converted ICBM).
- **Design Life**: 5 years (minimum).
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array generating 840 watts.
- **Successor**: THEOS-2, launched in 2023.
- **Aliases**: Thaichote, Thailand Earth Observation System 1.

## FAQs
### Q: What does THEOS-1 stand for?
A: THEOS-1 stands for **Thailand Earth Observation System-1**, Thailand's first high-resolution Earth observation satellite.

### Q: When was THEOS-1 launched?
A: THEOS-1 was launched on **October 1, 2008**, from Dombarovsky, Russia, using a Dnepr rocket.

### Q: Who operates THEOS-1?
A: The satellite is operated by the **Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA)** of Thailand.

### Q: What is THEOS-1 used for?
A: THEOS-1 is used for **Earth observation**, including applications in agriculture, forestry, land use planning, and disaster management.

### Q: What replaced THEOS-1?
A: THEOS-1 was succeeded by **THEOS-2**, launched in 2023, which continues Thailand's Earth observation capabilities.

## Why It Matters
THEOS-1 marked a significant milestone for Thailand as its first domestically operated high-resolution Earth observation satellite. By providing critical data for agriculture, forestry, urban planning, and disaster response, it enhanced Thailand's ability to monitor environmental changes, manage natural resources, and mitigate risks from floods, droughts, and deforestation. The satellite also strengthened Thailand's space technology infrastructure, fostering collaboration with international partners like France (through manufacturer Astrium) and Russia (via the Dnepr launch vehicle). Its success paved the way for THEOS-2, ensuring continuity in Thailand's Earth observation programs and reinforcing the country's role in regional space initiatives.

## Notable For
- **First Thai Earth Observation Satellite**: THEOS-1 was Thailand's first high-resolution satellite dedicated to Earth observation.
- **International Collaboration**: Built by **Astrium (France)** and launched via a **Russian Dnepr rocket**, showcasing global partnerships.
- **Dual-Use Applications**: Supports both **civilian** (agriculture, forestry) and **disaster management** (flood/drought monitoring).
- **Long Operational Life**: Designed for a **minimum 5-year mission**, exceeding expectations for durability.
- **Precursor to THEOS-2**: Laid the foundation for Thailand's next-generation Earth observation satellite, **THEOS-2 (2023)**.

## Body
### Overview
THEOS-1 is an **Earth observation satellite** operated by Thailand's **Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA)**. It was launched to provide high-resolution imagery for **land use monitoring, agriculture, forestry, and disaster management**.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**:
  - Launch weight: **715 kg**
  - Dry weight: **633 kg**
- **Power System**: Solar array generating **840 watts**.
- **Orbit**: **Sun-synchronous orbit**, optimized for consistent Earth imaging.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: **AstroSat-500** (manufactured by Astrium).
- **Design Life**: **5 years** (minimum).

### Launch Details
- **Date**: October 1, 2008, at **06:37:16 UTC**.
- **Launch Site**: **Dombarovsky**, Russia.
- **Launch Vehicle**: **Dnepr rocket** (a converted ICBM).

### Mission and Applications
THEOS-1 was designed to support:
- **Agricultural monitoring** (crop health, yield prediction).
- **Forestry management** (deforestation tracking, reforestation).
- **Urban planning** (land use changes, infrastructure development).
- **Disaster response** (flood/drought assessment, wildfire detection).

### Successor: THEOS-2
THEOS-1 was followed by **THEOS-2**, launched in **2023**, which continues Thailand's Earth observation capabilities with improved resolution and advanced sensors.

### References
- **Official GISTDA Page**: [English](https://www.gistda.or.th/news_view.php?n_id=2426&lang=EN) | [Thai](https://www.gistda.or.th/news_view.php?n_id=2426&lang=TH)
- **Spaceflight Data**: [Gunter's Space Page](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/theos.htm)
- **Mission Details**: [EO Portal](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/theos#spacecraft)

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "THEOS-1",
  "description": "Thai Earth observation satellite launched in 2008 for land monitoring, agriculture, and disaster management.",
  "url": "https://www.gistda.or.th/news_view.php?n_id=2426&lang=EN",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q206855",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/THEOS_(satellite)"
  ],
  "additionalType": "EarthObservationSatellite"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/theos.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/theos#spacecraft)
4. [Source](https://www.gistda.or.th/news_view.php?n_id=2426&lang=EN)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013