The lunar samples brought to Earth by China's Chang'e 5 spacecraft have captivated visitors at a fair in Bangkok, Thailand's capital city, sparking awe and enthusiasm for the future of space discovery.
It is the first time that China has exhibited lunar sample abroad, made possible through a collaboration between the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand and China National Space Administration (CNSA).
The sample, weighing 75 milligrams, is being shown at the SCI Power for Future Thailand Fair at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center from July 22 to 28.
Visitors have expressed delight at seeing the lunar sample for the first time.
"I am so happy to see something so amazing! I was so excited to see what moon soil would look like," said Navaporn Pheansirikul, a nine-year-old student.
"My kids are interested in astronomy so that is why I decided to bring them here to learn more about it. I hope that this experience will inspire them when they think about what they want to do when they grow up," said Kittipat Sarakitipan, a visitor.
As a leader in astronomy in Southeast Asia, Thailand is actively working with the CNSA as it joins the International Lunar Research Station program to develop its own astronomy program.
China's Chang'e-7 lunar exploration mission, to be launched around 2026, will have onboard a Thailand-developed global space weather monitoring device, which is designed to observe cosmic radiation and space weather from the lunar perspective.
"Looking to the future, we would like to work with China on developing some instruments for studying Mars, asteroids, and comets as well," said Saran Phshyachinda, executive director of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand.
China's Chang'e-5 lunar samples showcased abroad for first time in Thailand
