PUBLISHED : 5 May 2026 at 05:20
THEOS‑2A satellite launched on Jan 12. GISTDA
Thailand is expected to receive compensation for the failed THEOS-2A mission by the third quarter of this year, following an ongoing investigation into the launch anomaly, officials from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda) said.
Yossavin Sombutpanich, who oversees the THEOS-2 programme, said on Monday that compensation procedures would proceed once the probe into the malfunction is completed within a 180-day timeframe.
The investigation is focusing on irregularities in the rocket’s rotation during the third stage of the launch, which caused the vehicle to veer off its intended trajectory.
“The compensation will be made by the third quarter once the investigation is finalised,” he said. “There is a possibility of full compensation, in which case the contractor would build a replacement satellite at its own expense.”
Under a contract with Boeing, Gistda commissioned the development of THEOS-2 along with a technology transfer programme aimed at strengthening Thailand’s domestic satellite engineering capabilities.
THEOS-2A, a 100-kilogramme Earth observation satellite, was launched on Jan 12 aboard the PSLV-C62 operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro). However, a malfunction in the final phase of the rocket’s third stage disrupted its altitude control system, preventing the satellite and 15 co-passenger payloads from reaching orbit.
Gistda and Isro say the rocket and its payloads re-entered the atmosphere and burned up over the Indian Ocean, posing no risk to people or property.
Gistda said the mission was covered by launch insurance, which includes provisions for both satellite reconstruction and a replacement launch. If full compensation is granted, a new satellite could be completed within 2–2.5 years.