In the aerospace industry, every component must meet stringent requirements for precision, weight reduction, and resistance to extreme environments. Material selection and manufacturing processes are therefore not merely cost considerations, but fundamental factors determining the success of a project. The Research Institute of Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy has shared its experience in utilizing specialized plastic components for space technology research and development. This collaboration has been carried out in partnership with City Pla (Thailand), a plastic parts manufacturer with deep expertise in both material science and advanced engineering requirements.

This article reflects the voice of end users who recognize the value of co-development between research institutions and manufacturers, working together to push the boundaries of space-related technologies to the next level.

The Beginning of the Space Research Project

Approximately four to five years ago, a research group named KEETA was formed to submit an entry to NASA’s Deep Space Food Challenge. The objective of the challenge was to identify innovative concepts and technologies for food production suitable for long-duration space missions, with a focus on systems that utilize minimal resources.

The KEETA team was selected to advance to Phase 2, standing out for its effective use of Thailand’s natural resources and locally sourced materials as a key strength. After the project concluded, the Research Institute—recognized for its expertise in engineering and systems development—decided to continue this line of research, seeing strong potential for further advancement in mixing and processing technologies in the future.

Through this journey, City Pla (Thailand) became an integral partner in a space research project that represents a source of pride for Thailand.

NASA Requirements and the Challenge of Selecting a Plastic Parts Manufacturer

From the perspective of actual end users, the challenge extends beyond simply manufacturing parts according to design specifications. The critical issue is ensuring that those components can withstand rigorous testing, comply with strict standards, and function reliably in environments where failure is not an option. NASA has established the following requirements for plastic components intended for space applications:

To meet these stringent requirements, the research institute began searching for a plastic parts manufacturer with not only molding capabilities, but also a deep understanding of material properties and advanced engineering-level manufacturing processes. This search ultimately led to City Pla (Thailand), a manufacturer with extensive experience supporting industrial applications that demand high precision.

▲ Plastic components manufactured by City Pla (Thailand)

“It must be acknowledged that there are currently very few factories capable of manufacturing plastic components to this level. We had previously worked with City Pla (Thailand) on a project called ‘Chandra Pearl’, which involved creating pearls using plastic materials. The company was able to produce exceptionally clear plastic components, which were highly appreciated by everyone on the team. This positive experience led us to continue working with them on this project. While we did not have a specific material in mind, we clearly understood the category of materials required to meet NASA’s conditions. City Pla (Thailand) provided excellent support by obtaining safety certifications and detailed material specifications, allowing us to verify compliance with NASA standards. Overall, we received outstanding cooperation and service from City Pla (Thailand).” (Mr. Saran, Representative of the Research Institute)

▲ Original products created by the research team

The Role of City Pla (Thailand) as a Technical Partner in Space Research

City Pla (Thailand) was first contacted by the research institute in 2019 and has collaborated on the project ever since. Given the nature of “off-world research,” the company pays meticulous attention to every detail—from material selection to cutting methods—since even minor errors could impact the research outcomes.

▲ Plastic components manufactured by City Pla (Thailand)

Particularly during the material selection stage for plastic molding, City Pla (Thailand) engaged in close consultation with the research institute before initiating the design process. Only materials with certified quality documentation were selected for every component.