Global Space Services (GSS), a Swedish space company based in Kiruna, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation with the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Public Organization), GISTDA. The MoU was signed at a ceremony at the Sweden Pavilion during Thailand Space Expo 2026 in Bangkok on 28 October, by Dr. Pakorn Apaphant, Executive Director of GISTDA, and Alf Öskog, CEO of GSS, in the presence of Anna Hammargren, Ambassador of Sweden to Thailand.
The MoU between GISTDA and the Swedish companies Global Space Services and Global Space Services Technologies establishes a framework for cooperation in satellite ground segment services and space applications. Among other things, the parties will explore the possibilities for establishing and operating ground station infrastructure, cooperate on satellite data processing and its applications, carry out joint research and development, and develop simulation and analysis tools for satellite communications. The cooperation also aims to involve Thai industry and academic partners, including through supply chain cooperation and regulatory sandbox initiatives.
GSS operates the Northern Polar Satellite Center (NPSC) at 66 degrees north, outside Råneå in northern Sweden. The location provides favourable conditions for frequent contact with satellites in polar orbits.
“From northern Sweden we can communicate with satellites in polar orbits, but not with satellites that only pass close to the equator. With its geographical position, Thailand is a natural complement to our station in Råneå. The cooperation with GISTDA gives us the opportunity, together with our Thai partner, to build a valuable presence in Asia, while also strengthening the relationship between Europe and Asia. We also want to contribute our experience in ground station operations to Thailand’s growing space sector,” says Alf Öskog, CEO and co-founder of Global Space Services.
Alongside the MoU, GSS is establishing a Thai subsidiary with the support of Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI). Since February 2026, GSS has been part of the European Space Agency’s incubation programme ESA BIC Sweden, through Arctic Business Incubator (ABI) in Luleå.