On October 17, 2025, students from the Cybersecurity program, College of Computing, Khon Kaen University, won the First Runner-Up Award in the “The CubeSat Quest: Exploring the Beyond 2025” competition — a national event that simulates the design and launch of small satellites (CubeSats) to promote knowledge of space technology and autonomous systems. The team received the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Royal Trophy at the award ceremony held at ICONSIAM, Bangkok.
The competition was organized by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) with the goal of advancing education in space technology and automation, and fostering a new generation of innovators who will become future leaders in Thailand’s space industry. Over 105 teams from across the country participated, with only 7 teams qualifying for the final round.
Mr. Thanadol Langpute, a second-year student in the Cybersecurity program, expressed his pride and excitement after receiving the award: “We are truly proud and thrilled to have won the First Runner-Up Award in this national competition. The journey began with the first round held on October 10, 2025, at the Navanapha Airfield in Wangchan Valley, Rayong Province, and concluded with the final round at ICONSIAM. It was a meaningful starting point in our learning journey in space technology. Being part of such a challenging platform has given us valuable opportunities to enhance our knowledge and skills.”
Mr. Thanadol added that each team faced challenging missions involving both theoretical and practical components — including training sessions, communication platform development, and field testing. “Our team developed a system called OpenSat, which simulates the process of sending code for computation on a satellite and making sensor data publicly accessible for learning and research. The design integrates learning perspectives, technological understanding, and adaptability in the digital era, helping us to develop ideas and essential skills for future careers. It also fostered teamwork, creativity, and a deeper understanding of our individual roles.”
The winning team comprised Mr. Thanadol Langpute, Mr. Krirkkasit Iedkaew, Mr. Kittitatch Seehawong, and Mr. Khanaphot Rodpetch (all second-year students), along with Mr. Phumi Kingkaewwat, a first-year student.
“We worked together closely, shared knowledge, and solved problems as a team. This experience not only deepened our understanding of space technology but also strengthened our teamwork and creativity. We are deeply grateful to the College of Computing, Khon Kaen University, for the support and encouragement that allowed us to showcase our abilities on this national stage. We hope this experience will be a strong foundation for our growth and a contribution to the country’s technological development,” Mr. Thanadol concluded.
The competition took place from October 10–17, 2025, starting with the preliminary round at Navanapha Airfield, Wangchan Valley, Rayong, and concluding with the final round at ICONSIAM, Bangkok. Activities throughout the event included training, communication platform development, and field testing such as the creation of the OpenSat system, code simulation for satellite computation, public sensor data access, and final project presentations competing for the Princess Royal’s Trophy.
