ILRS

The International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) is initiated by China and Russia under their respective space agencies, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) and Roscosmos, who have signed a memorandum of understanding to promote collaboration in this project. The project aims to leverage the scientific and technological expertise of both countries to plan, develop, design, demonstrate, and conduct lunar activities, fostering the creation of an international space community.

Thailand’s involvement in the ILRS initiative began in April 2023 when the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), in partnership with Mahidol University, proposed a scientific research payload for the Chang’E-7 mission. The proposed instrument named the MOON AIMING THAI-CHINESE HODOSCOPE (MATCH), is designed to detect high-energy particles such as alpha particles, electrons, and protons under cosmic radiation conditions in space. It will also investigate the interactions between the Sun, Earth, and the Moon.

MATCH was chosen as one of the seven scientific payloads to be carried on the Chang’E-7 orbiter, which is scheduled to enter lunar orbit in 2026. This selection led to the signing of a cooperation agreement between NARIT (under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation - MHESI) and the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL) under the China National Space Administration (CNSA) on September 25, 2023, marking the official start of the project.