Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency

What Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency does

GISTDA (Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency) is Thailand's national space agency and public organization operating under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI). Established in 2000 by Royal Decree, the agency serves as Thailand's designated focal point for international space cooperation and the sole operator of the nation's sovereign Earth observation satellite infrastructure, most notably the high-resolution THEOS-2 satellite (alongside the legacy Thaichote satellite). GISTDA's mandate spans satellite operations, ground segment control (including the Sriracha Satellite Station), geospatial data distribution, and the development of public-facing space technology applications for Thai government ministries, provincial authorities, and citizens.

The agency's product portfolio is anchored by the AWAGAD digital marketplace for satellite imagery distribution and includes AI-driven platforms such as the Carbon Atlas (satellite-based carbon credit assessment with 3-5 year forecasting), Dragonfly (precision agriculture), Life Dee and Check Dust (PM2.5 and disaster alerting), and the GALAXI Lab for satellite data calibration and processing. It also operates the Space Inspirium visitor center and a Training Center delivering programs including SCGI, ARTSA, and GISTDA EX-13. GISTDA delivers sector-specific solutions through its AIP (Application Integration Platform) across natural resources, agriculture, water management, urban planning, disaster management, mapping, and civil aviation. Documented operational outcomes include the detection of 36,300 rai of burned area at Srinakarin Dam via LANDSAT-9 and over 97,450 rai of flood-affected area in Songkhla via StriX-4 radar imagery.

Commercially, GISTDA's revenue base is anchored by Thai government budget allocations through MHESI, supplemented by satellite data and imagery sales via AWAGAD (a freemium-to-subscription model), consultancy and training services, and international partnerships. The agency's strategic posture has shifted materially upward: Thailand became the 51st signatory to the Artemis Accords in December 2024, and in 2026 GISTDA Director Pakorn Apaphant was appointed Chair of the UN COPUOS Scientific and Technical Subcommittee. Active international alliances span NASA (Artemis Program), OECD (Space Economy framework), ICEYE (Finland, radar satellite), ispace (Japan, lunar payloads), and Moon Village Association. Customer concentration is structurally high given dependence on Thai government agencies, though recent moves suggest intent to diversify into ASEAN markets, civil aviation, and voluntary carbon markets.

Name

Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency

Legal name

Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Public Organization) - สำนักงานพัฒนาเทคโนโลยีอวกาศและภูมิสารสนเทศ (องค์การมหาชน)

Website

https://gistda.or.th

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

GISTDA is Thailand's national space agency operating the THEOS-2 Earth observation satellite and delivering satellite imagery, geospatial data, and AI-driven applications (Carbon Atlas, Dragonfly, Life Dee) to government ministries, provincial authorities, research institutions, and citizens under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Earth Observation and Geospatial Intelligence Services

NAICS

Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (54136), Space Research and Technology (92711), Satellite Telecommunications (5174), Surveying and Mapping (except Geophysical) Services (541370)

SIC

Services-Computer Processing & Data Preparation (7374), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)

akta.pro primary industry

Remote Sensing & Earth Observation Analytics (Satellite/UAV/LiDAR, Image Processing) (EUAHAKAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Satellite Imagery & Remote Sensing Geospatial Platforms (BPAMANAM), Geospatial Data Management & Enterprise GIS (Geodatabases, Web GIS, Spatial Analytics) (EUAHAKAC), Field Mapping, GIS & Remote Sensing Analytics (AFAAAFAB)

Keywords

• Earth observation satellites
• Geospatial data services
• Satellite imagery analytics
• Space technology research
• Remote sensing applications

Headquarters

HQ city

Lak Si

HQ country

Thailand

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government Budget Allocation: Primary funding from Thai government annual budgets allocated through the Ministry of Higher Education Science Research and Innovation (MHESI) for space technology development and national geoinformatics infrastructure
2. Satellite Data and Imagery Services: Sale of satellite imagery and geospatial data products to government agencies, private sector, and international customers through the AWAGAD online platform
3. Consultancy and Training Services: Technical consulting, GIS services, and training programs including SCGI, ARTSA, Space Inspirium, and annual training courses

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

GISTDA operates Thailand's national Earth observation satellite infrastructure (THEOS-2 and Thaichote) and provides satellite imagery, geospatial data services, and space technology solutions to government agencies, research institutions, and the public. It runs ground-segment telemetry and control operations, the AWAGAD digital data marketplace, the Carbon Atlas carbon credit assessment platform, and consumer-facing applications such as Life Dee for PM2.5 monitoring and disaster alerts. The agency also delivers training programs, consultancy services, and the Space Inspirium visitor and education center.

Product overview

GISTDA operates as Thailand's national space agency offering a comprehensive portfolio of space technology and geoinformatics products and services. The core offerings include Earth observation satellite data from THEOS-2 and international partners (THEOS-2, Thaichote, Kompsat-2, Pléiades, Cosmo-SkyMed, IKONOS, LANDSAT, StriX-4), delivered through the AWAGAD digital platform. The service portfolio spans disaster monitoring, agricultural applications (Dragonfly), environmental assessment (Carbon Atlas), and air quality monitoring (Check Dust app, Life Dee). Supporting infrastructure includes the GALAXI Lab for data processing, Space Inspirium for public education, and ground segment operations for satellite control and telemetry. The AIP (Application Integration Platform) provides sector-specific solutions for natural resources, agriculture, water management, urban planning, disaster, mapping, and aviation sectors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AWAGAD: Online satellite data shop platform providing geoinformatics data products and services
• Life Dee
• Carbon Atlas
• GISTDA Training Center
• Space Inspirium
• Dragonfly
• THEOS-2
• Thaichote

Products and services

• AWAGAD Satellite Data Service Platform Digital service platform providing satellite data products, geoinformatics information, and online ordering services for satellite imagery and related geospatial data to government agencies, researchers, and private sector customers.
• Life Dee Application Multi-service mobile application integrating PM2.5 air quality monitoring, drowning risk area tracking, heat index warnings, public service access for disabled and elderly users, and disaster management capabilities for Thai citizens.
• Carbon Atlas Platform Carbon credit assessment platform using satellite imagery and AI to evaluate carbon sequestration in forest and agricultural sectors, with predictive forecasting of carbon credit volumes over 3-5 year periods.
• THEOS-2 Satellite Data High-resolution Earth observation satellite imagery from Thailand's THEOS-2 satellite providing data for disaster monitoring, environmental management, agricultural assessment, and urban planning applications.
• Dragonfly Agricultural Application Agricultural technology application using satellite data to support smart farming practices and enhance productivity for Thai farmers.
• Check Dust (เช็คฝุ่น) Application Air quality monitoring application providing real-time PM2.5 dust level information by integrating satellite data, AI analysis, and ground sensor readings for hourly updates.
• Disaster Monitoring System Real-time disaster monitoring and management system providing wildfire hotspot detection, flood analysis, PM2.5 air quality monitoring, and burned area assessment using satellite data for Thai government agencies and the public.
• AIP (Application Integration Platform) Integrated solution platform for various sector applications including natural resources, agriculture, water management, urban planning, disaster management, mapping, and aviation delivered to Thai government agencies.
• GISTDA Training Center Services Annual training courses and programs for space technology and geoinformatics including SCGI, ARTSA, and executive training programs (GISTDA EX-13) for professionals, researchers, and government officials.
• Space Inspirium Space museum and innovation park offering educational programs, satellite competition camps, exhibitions, and knowledge transfer activities for space technology awareness among students and the public.
• GALAXI Lab Services Laboratory services for satellite data processing, calibration, and analysis supporting various geospatial research and development activities for research institutions and government partners.
• Satellite Reception and Control Services Ground segment infrastructure services for satellite control, telemetry, and signal reception for Earth observation satellites including THEOS constellation and international partner satellites operated from Sriracha Satellite Station.

Quantifiable outcome

• Detected 36,300 rai of burned area at Srinakarin Dam using LANDSAT-9 satellite imagery
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Bangkok Metropolitan AdministrationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 August 2026Bangkok and GISTDA signed MOU for applying space technology and geoinformatics to enhance disaster management, environmental protection, and public health spatial management across the capital.
• MyanmarcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 August 2026Thailand and Myanmar signed an MoU to enhance Earth Observation technology collaboration focusing on disaster management, agriculture, and environmental protection. GISTDA provides satellite technology expertise for cross-border resource management, environmental monitoring, and disaster response applications.
• Moon Village AssociationmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2026Moon Village Association partnered with GISTDA to bring global space leaders to Thailand for the MVA Workshop & Symposium 10th edition, promoting international space cooperation and exploration.
• ICEYE (Finland)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 May 2026GISTDA partnered with Finnish radar satellite operator ICEYE to enhance Thailand's disaster monitoring capabilities through advanced radar imagery technology.
• Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 April 2026GISTDA and CAAT signed MOU for using space technology and geoinformatics to promote civil aviation including GNSS navigation, SBAS systems, UAV management, and ICAO-standard space weather forecasting.
• OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 March 2026GISTDA collaborates with OECD on Space Economy framework development, preparing Thailand for OECD Technical Review process. Partnership focuses on national data collaboration, OECD Space Forum hosting, and accession framework development targeting OECD membership by 2030.
• NASA (United States)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 March 2026GISTDA participates in NASA's Artemis Program through bilateral cooperation including technology workshops, NASA Ignition Event participation, and strategic alignment for lunar exploration and Moon Base development. Thailand is the only ASEAN Artemis Accords signatory to send its space agency head to NASA events.
• ispace (Japan)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 March 2026Japanese lunar exploration company ispace signed MoU with GISTDA for development of life science payloads. The partnership supports ispace's Mission 4 lunar program with Thai government SBIR subsidy support.
• National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 March 2026GISTDA collaborated with NESDB on Space Master Plan development, aligning national space strategy with Thailand's 13th and 14th development plans for integrated economic and social advancement.
• United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 February 2026UN COPUOS appointed GISTDA Director Pakorn Apaphant as chair of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC) for 2026, making Thailand the 15th out of 110 member countries to lead this UN space governance body.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• CNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales): France's national space agency providing Earth observation data, disaster response, and international cooperation programs. Comparable as a government space agency with similar public-interest mission and OECD framework alignment that GISTDA is pursuing.
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO): India's national space agency operating Earth observation, communication, and launch capabilities under a government mandate. Directly comparable as a state-owned space agency serving national development priorities with commercial data services, though at substantially larger scale than GISTDA.
• JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency): Japan's national space agency with Earth observation, disaster monitoring, and lunar exploration programs. Relevant as a larger peer with whom GISTDA has signed the ispace partnership and Artemis cooperation—comparable in mission scope and international partnership approach.
• Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI): South Korea's national space agency operating GEO-KOMPSAT and KOMPSAT Earth observation satellites and providing geospatial data services. Comparable in mandate (national space agency providing EO data, disaster monitoring, international cooperation) and regional position to GISTDA.
• Maxar Technologies: US-based provider of high-resolution satellite imagery (WorldView, GeoEye) used in disaster response, agriculture, and government applications. Comparable as a high-resolution EO data provider competing with THEOS-2 imagery offerings.
• Airbus Defence and Space (Pleiades): European satellite imagery provider offering Pléiades high-resolution data—explicitly used by GISTDA alongside its own satellites. Comparable as a high-resolution EO data provider in the same government and disaster-monitoring customer segments.

Direct peers

• Planet Labs: US-based commercial Earth observation operator providing daily-revisit satellite imagery for agriculture, disaster response, and environmental monitoring. Directly competes with GISTDA in satellite data products sold to government and commercial customers in the region.

Emerging players

• ICEYE: Finland-based SAR satellite operator that GISTDA has partnered with for radar imagery disaster monitoring. Directly comparable as an Earth observation data provider with overlapping Thailand-relevant products and a similar disaster-monitoring customer base.

Regional players

• PhilSA (Philippine Space Agency): The Philippines' national space agency providing satellite data and remote sensing services for disaster management, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. Comparable as a smaller Southeast Asian national space agency with similar mission scope.
• Singapore Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn) / Centre for Remote Imaging, Sensing and Processing (CRISP): Singapore's national space office and remote sensing center. Relevant as a Southeast Asian peer pursuing national space strategy and Artemis Accords membership—the first ASEAN signatory before Thailand.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/GISTDA
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/GISTDAspace
• Facebookfacebook.com/gistda
• Instagraminstagram.com/gistda_space
• TikToktiktok.com/@gistda_space?refer=creator_embed
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gistda

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency