In 2014–2015, Thai media widely covered the story of Pirada Techaruvichit — a 29-year-old engineer from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), allegedly selected for a suborbital mission on the Lynx Mark II spaceplane. Reports claimed she was chosen among 100+ candidates from 62 countries and would become the first Thai astronaut in 2015. However, this flight never happened.
The XCOR Lynx Project: Ambition and Collapse
Private company XCOR Aerospace developed the suborbital Lynx Mark II spaceplane for tourism and research. The launch site was the Mojave Air & Space Port (California). The vehicle was designed to fly above 100 km (Kármán line), providing minutes of weightlessness.
Participants were to undergo training, but no commercial flights were ever conducted. In 2017, XCOR went bankrupt, and the project was terminated.
Was Pirada Techaruvichit an Astronaut?
As of 2025, there is no verified evidence that Pirada Techaruvichit was officially enrolled in XCOR’s program or completed full astronaut training. It was likely a media initiative or educational outreach project aimed at promoting science.
Nonetheless, she became a symbol of Thailand’s interest in space.
The First Thai Astronaut: Status in 2025
As of March 2025, Thailand still has no official astronaut. No Thai citizen has ever flown to space. However, the country is actively advancing in space technology:
- GISTDA launched THEOS-1 and THEOS-2 Earth observation satellites
- A national space policy is under development
- Thailand collaborates with NASA, JAXA, and ESA on climate and Earth monitoring
New Hope: UAE Astronaut Programme
In 2024, Dr. Sawarin Saensuk, a GISTDA researcher, was named a backup candidate in the UAE Astronaut Programme. While not flying soon, this marks the first time a Thai scientist has been officially included in an international astronaut programme.
Educational Impact
The story of Pirada Techaruvichit, even if unrealized, played a vital role:
- Inspired thousands of young Thais to pursue STEM
- Raised interest in space technology
- Stimulated investment in science and innovation
Conclusion
While the dream of a Thai astronaut in 2015 did not come true, it became a symbol of national ambition. By 2025, Thailand is making real progress into the space era — not through tourist flights, but through science, satellites, and international cooperation. Perhaps the first Thai astronaut will emerge in the next decade — not as a media figure, but as a professional on an international mission.
Sources:
— GISTDA: «Thailand’s Space Development Strategy 2025»
— XCOR Aerospace (archive): «Lynx Program Overview»
— Bangkok Post: «Thailand’s Space Dreams: From Lynx to THEOS-2», February 2025
— The Nation: «No Thai in Space Yet — But the Dream Lives On»
— UAE Space Agency: «Astronaut Programme 2024 – International Candidates»
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