On August 31, 2025, the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) made a significant announcement: a Thai-developed scientific instrument, the CE-7 MATCH payload, will soon join an ambitious lunar mission led by China. This marks a historic moment for Thai space science and highlights the deepening collaboration between Thailand and China in the exploration of space.
The CE-7 MATCH, or Moon Aiming Thai Chinese Hodoscope, is set to be installed on the Chang’e-7 orbiter, which is scheduled for launch in 2026. According to MGROnline, this device is the first scientific payload designed by Thai engineers to be sent into lunar orbit, representing the culmination of years of joint development and international partnership.
The device itself is compact yet sophisticated, measuring 14.6 × 14.5 × 26.5 centimeters and weighing in at 69 kilograms. While its size may not impress at first glance, the technology packed inside is anything but ordinary. The primary mission of CE-7 MATCH is to measure high-energy particles in lunar orbit, specifically monitoring the effects of cosmic rays and solar storms on technology systems in space. These measurements are crucial for understanding the harsh radiation environment around the Moon—a key concern for any future lunar settlement or long-term research outpost.
This payload is not the work of a single nation or institution. The project is the result of a broad collaboration that includes NARIT and Mahidol University from Thailand, working in close partnership with leading Chinese organizations such as the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the China Lunar Exploration Program (CLEP), the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL), and several institutes under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Notably, the National Space Science Center (NSSC), the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP), the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP), and Jilin University have all played important roles in bringing this instrument to life.
The Chang’e-7 mission itself is a cornerstone of China’s lunar ambitions. As reported by MGROnline, the mission aims to explore the Moon’s south pole, a region scientists believe could be ideal for future human settlement due to its unique environmental conditions. The International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) program, of which Chang’e-7 is a part, envisions a multi-component approach: an orbiter, a lander, a rover, a hopping probe, and a relay satellite. Each element is designed to work in concert, gathering data and paving the way for the next era of lunar exploration.
Thailand’s selection as one of only seven scientific payload contributors for this mission is a testament to the country’s growing expertise in space science. The CE-7 MATCH will join a select group of instruments aboard the orbiter, providing vital data not just for Thailand and China, but for the international scientific community. According to NARIT, the instrument has already been delivered to Chinese research partners in preparation for integration and final pre-launch testing.
The timing of this announcement—August 31, 2025—reflects the increasing momentum in global lunar research. As noted in coverage of the Chinese lunar program, the Chang’e-7 mission is part of a broader push by China to establish itself at the forefront of lunar science and technology. The ILRS initiative, in particular, represents a vision of international cooperation, with multiple countries contributing technology, expertise, and scientific objectives.
But what exactly will CE-7 MATCH do in orbit around the Moon? In essence, it acts as a cosmic ray telescope, detecting the influx of high-energy particles that constantly bombard the lunar environment. Cosmic rays and solar storms are known to pose serious risks to both astronauts and sensitive electronics. By monitoring these phenomena in real time, CE-7 MATCH will help engineers design better-protected spacecraft and lunar habitats. It will also provide data that could inform future missions—both robotic and human—seeking to establish a permanent presence on the Moon.
This kind of research isn’t just academic. As nations look to the Moon as a potential site for resource extraction, scientific research, and even human settlement, understanding the space environment becomes a matter of practical necessity. The Moon’s south pole, in particular, has attracted interest because of its potential water ice deposits and its relatively stable temperatures. If the ILRS program succeeds, it could lay the groundwork for a new era of lunar exploration—one in which countries like Thailand play a direct and meaningful role.
Collaboration has been a recurring theme in the development of CE-7 MATCH. According to NARIT, the partnership with Chinese institutions has been instrumental in overcoming technical challenges and ensuring the instrument meets the stringent requirements of spaceflight. The combined expertise of Thai and Chinese scientists has allowed the project to progress from concept to reality, culminating in the recent handover of the payload for final integration.
For Thailand, the project is more than just a technological milestone; it’s a source of national pride and a signal of the country’s commitment to scientific advancement. The successful inclusion of CE-7 MATCH in the Chang’e-7 mission underscores Thailand’s ability to contribute to major international projects and demonstrates the value of cross-border collaboration in tackling complex scientific problems.
Looking ahead, the launch of Chang’e-7 in 2026 will be closely watched by the global scientific community. The mission’s success could open the door to further cooperation between Thailand, China, and other countries interested in lunar exploration. The data collected by CE-7 MATCH will not only enhance our understanding of the Moon’s environment but could also play a crucial role in shaping the future of space travel and settlement beyond Earth.
As the world waits for the Chang’e-7 mission to take flight, the story of CE-7 MATCH serves as a reminder that space exploration is increasingly a global endeavor. By pooling resources, knowledge, and ambition, countries can achieve feats that would be impossible alone. For Thailand’s scientists and engineers, the journey to the Moon has already begun—and the world will be watching to see what discoveries await.
