KNACKSAT-2 is a bold leap forward for Thailand’s space ambitions—a 3U Multi-Payload CubeSat Platform (MPCP) developed by the International Institute of Space Technology for Economic Development (INSTED) at King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), in partnership with NBSPACE and Kyushu Institute of Technology (KYUTECH).
As Thailand’s first multi-payload, ride-sharing CubeSat, KNACKSAT-2 breaks down barriers and redefines what’s possible, transforming space access from “build your own satellite” into “fly only what you need.” This groundbreaking platform empowers visionaries, researchers, and entrepreneurs to reach orbit, dramatically lowering cost, time, and technical hurdles that once stood in the way. KNACKSAT-2 is not just a satellite—it’s a new gateway to the stars, inspiring a generation to dream bigger, collaborate boldly, and lead Thailand toward a future filled with limitless possibilities. Its scheduled deployment from the International Space Station (ISS) marks another historic milestone on February 3, 2026.
Motivation
Across both documents, the same structural problem is clearly identified:
Most potential space users
- need in-orbit testing or data,
- but lacks satellite technology, budget, and human resources,
- and face very high launch and development costs if they build a satellite on their own.
This creates a gap between “space users” and “satellite manufacturers.” KNACKSAT-2 is purpose-built to empower and unite:
- Enabling organizations and innovators to launch their dreams into orbit—by flying only their payload,
- Opening doors for many by sharing launch and platform costs, making space accessible to all who dare to imagine,
- and providing end-to-end satellite services—design, integration, testing, licensing, safety, and operations—so every bold idea has the support it needs to succeed.
Technical Features & Systems
| Form factor: | 3U CubeSat |
| Payload capacity: | Operational platform: up to 5 payloads (flight configuration) Research roadmap: up to 10 payload slots (platform evolution) |
| Key payloads: | IoT, APRS, ADCS, UV, and Camera |
| Technology Readiness Level (TRL):: | TRL-7 (on-orbit validation) |
The platform reuses space-proven subsystems from the KNACKSAT-1 heritage (KMUTNB) and the BIRDS program heritage (KYUTECH). This significantly improves reliability while maintaining low cost.
Launch & Deployment Concept
| Launch pathway: | ISS J-SSOD (JAXA) |
| Deployment altitude: | ~400 km LEO |
| Orbit type: | ISS-class |
| Passes over Thailand: | ~5 passes/day |
| Expected lifetime: | ~18 months |
ISS deployment provides predictable launch schedules, which directly addresses one of customers’ biggest concerns: launch delays and uncertainty.
Impact and Legacy
KNACKSAT-2 is a catalyst for national progress, directly supporting Thailand’s Earth Space System (ESS) framework by:
- building world-class space engineering capabilities,
- inspiring and equipping the next generation of Thai space leaders,
- unlocking new opportunities in the thriving Space Economy,
- and laying the groundwork for future national missions that will shape Thailand’s destiny among the stars.
KNACKSAT-2 is more than a satellite—it is a beacon of possibility and a new access model that empowers Thailand to reach new heights. It enables:
Faster technology maturation
Lower entry barriers for startups and researchers
Evidence-based satellite industrialisation (via NBSPACE)
A sustainable pipeline from education to experimentation to commercialisation