NASA Cancels Climate Study Project in Thailand

29 June 2012

The American space agency’s request to use Thailand’s U-Tapao air base has faced opposition from critics who say it could be a cover for military purposes. The Thai Cabinet decided on Tuesday to have lawmakers debate the issue after Parliament reconvenes Aug. 1, a month after a deadline NASA had set. US Embassy spokesman Walter Braunohler said on Thursday that NASA can’t wait because the climate study focuses on regional weather patterns that occur only in August and September. He says it is too early to say whether NASA will revisit the project next year.—AP