THE handover and practical demon­stration ceremony of the technological pro­jects completed by the Myanmar Space Agency (MSA) took place yester­day morning at the Myan­mar Space Agency (MSA) in Hline Township, Yangon Region.

On the occasion, Pres­ident of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing remarked that as the world is con­tinuously developing and changing every day, it is essential to acquire knowl­edge and understanding of space technologies and be able to apply them effectively for beneficial purposes.

The Chief Executive of Myanmar Space Agen­cy reported to the Presi­dent on the efforts of the agency in implementing the projects in cooperation with international space partner organizations, companies and universi­ties and colleges at home and abroad, and relevant ministries.

The MSA Chief Exec­utive explained the scale model of MAH-1 ERS of the agency. The President observed measures on the control camp for MAH-1 satellite built by the agen­cy further processes, sys­tematic implementation of the Earth Remote Sensing (ERS) Applica­tion Platform, reviews over environment of Bago Township and regional de­velopment measures with the use of earth remote sensing technology, sat­ellite-based search and rescue operations, use of AI in space technology of the agency, advanced bot­otic system, e-library bilat­eral connection between MSA and the library of Belarus, library facilities, designing and building the solar sensing device by the agency, solar system, sat­ellite control, electronic workshop, space weather exploration, space intelli­gence system, automatic alarming system for space danger near the earth, valuable minerals and re­sources of the moon, plans of the agency to explore the moon orbit, a research construction of a small air­craft to land at the Mars, and tests for the AI-based lunar landing space craft and gave necessary guid­ance.

The President un­veiled the MAH-1 Satellite Ground Control Station and Multi-Mission Opera­tion Command and Control (MOCC).

The President and dignitaries watched a vid­eo clip on the accomplish­ments of the agency.

MSA Chief Executive Dr Soe Myint Maung hand­ed over the 3D map data of the whole Myanmar to the President, who signed it to honour the successful accomplishment of the agency.

Speaking on the oc­casion, the President said that the establishment of the Myanmar Space Agency and the ongoing progress and development of its activities represent the realization of a dream for the nation. As the world is continuously advancing and changing every day, it is essential to gain knowl­edge and understanding of space technologies and be able to apply them ef­fectively for beneficial pur­poses.

He continued that through the use of space technology, detailed in­formation on geographi­cal changes occurring in Myanmar and around the world, as well as natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions and floods, can be obtained. Conducting research activities using satellites in this way will bring significant benefits to the Earth and humanity.

To improve space technology, the President outlined that it is neces­sary to produce and nur­ture highly capable human resources equipped with knowledge and exper­tise. As the development of space technology is a matter of national prestige, all efforts should be made to ensure the success of all related activities. Human resources, equipment, and infrastructure that can further enhance these capabilities must also con­tinue to be developed and provided.

The President stressed that if everyone strives and works towards the development of the nation’s and its citizens’ interests, economic pros­perity, and socioeconomic progress, Myanmar will become a nation that can take pride in and proudly demonstrate its achieve­ments in space technology both regionally and glob­ally.

After the ceremony, the President met astro­naut candidates who were preliminarily selected to serve as Myanmar’s first astronauts.

At the meeting, the President provided guid­ance that the candidates must continuously study and acquire knowledge and expertise that will support their future life journeys, including gen­eral knowledge, language skills, and technological know-how that is continu­ously evolving in line with the times. As those who have been selected up to this stage as Myanmar’s first astronaut candidates, the President expressed his great pride and joy, to­gether with their parents, and strongly urged them to continue making further efforts and striving for suc­cess.

Also present at the ceremony were Union Ministers U Mya Tun Oo, Lt-Gen Nyunt Win Swe, U Aung Kyaw Hoe and U Myo Thant, Chairman of the Space Science and Technology Development Commission U Myat Hein, Yangon Region Chief Min­ister U Aung Naing Thu and officials. — MNA/TTA