The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) has celebrated a decade of excellence at its National Astronomical Data Center by announcing a major leap in its computing infrastructure. The renowned “Chalawan HPC” has officially evolved into a full-scale supercomputer under the “ADA Laboratory” (Astronomical Digital Technology and AI Applications), aiming to transform Thailand into a powerhouse for digital innovation and space-to-society solutions.
Dr.Wiphu Rujopakarn, Director of NARIT, highlighted that while Chalawan HPC has been the backbone of Thai astronomical research since 2016, the transition to the ADA era is a strategic move to handle the upcoming “Data Deluge.” By leveraging the power of high-performance computing (HPC) and Artificial Intelligence, NARIT can now process data from the Thai National Radio Telescope 100 times faster, enabling real-time detection of fleeting cosmic phenomena and supporting advanced analysis for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
ASTRONOMY+: Technology Serving Society
Under the “ASTRONOMY+” policy, NARIT is repurposing high-end space tech to address urgent national challenges across four key dimensions:
- Environmental Impact: High-precision AI models to forecast PM2.5 levels, enabling data-driven pollution management.
- Data-Driven Discovery: Using AI to filter cosmic signals and uncover new astronomical breakthroughs.
- Autonomous Operations: Implementing AI for automated telescope network control and predictive maintenance.
- Public Engagement: Creating immersive AI-powered learning experiences to make astronomy accessible and fun for the public.
Breaking Barriers with Dell’s Air-Cooled Innovation Technically, the ADA Laboratory represents a breakthrough in cost-efficiency and sustainability. Thitaphon Boonprasit, Managing Director of Dell Technologies Thailand, revealed that the facility utilizes DELL PowerEdge XE7745 servers paired with NVIDIA H200 NVL GPUs.
The standout feature of this setup is the Air-Cooled AI Supercomputer technology, which allows NARIT to deploy massive computing power within existing server rooms without the need for expensive Liquid Cooling infrastructure. This system offers a staggering 400 Gbps network speed, ensuring seamless data flow for multi-terabyte workloads. Furthermore, it consolidates the workload of over 20 legacy servers into a single 4U unit, drastically reducing energy consumption and physical footprint.
This technological advancement has already proven its worth by slashing research processing times from 3 months down to just 2 weeks. As NARIT prepares for the future integration of next-gen chips like the B300, the ADA Laboratory stands as a testament to Thailand’s growing leadership in high-tech infrastructure and sustainable digital development.
