Thailand's science students are reaching for the stars. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station performed two experiments designed by six Thai science students while the young researchers observed the experiments and directed the crew from the space center in Japan.

The NASA astronauts carried out the experiments on March 24, with the students observing from the Tsukuba Space Center in Japan, a ground facility operated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The Thai participants comprised two teams: one of high school seniors and the other of university students.

They participated in the program organized by Thailand's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation through the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), in partnership with JAXA, Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited, and Thai AirAsia X.

Thailand has been working to strengthen its education system, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Through collaboration between the public and private sectors, several schools and educational programs have received support to provide advanced STEM education and research opportunities for talented students.

The goal is for these students to become future leaders and innovators who can share their knowledge and inspire the next generation by demonstrating what can be achieved with strong educational support and opportunities.

The first team of high school seniors—Thanakrit Phothipakkhi, Yossaphon Suksawang                and Krittin Ketanon of Darasasmut Sriracha School—designed an experiment to examine the simple harmonic oscillation of springs and ropes under microgravity conditions.

The findings could provide valuable insights for space operations because astronauts use mass-measurement devices based on mass-spring systems to measure equipment in weightless environments.

The second team—Pipatphon Siriphothikul, Chanakan Choei-sa-at and Natdanai Phuengsaengchan from Chulalongkorn University and Kasetsart University—investigated the behavior of liquid bridges in a microgravity environment.