UP Diliman -- The STAMINA4Space Program spearheaded the inauguration of the University Laboratory for Small Satellitesand Space Engineering Systems (ULyS³ES) today. Held at the University of the Philippines Diliman Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute (UP-EEEI), the event was attended by key officials from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and University of the Philippines (UP).

Through the Development of Philippine Scientific Earth Observation Microsatellite (PHL-Microsat) which is now succeeded by the Space Technology and Applications Mastery, Innovation and Advancement (STAMINA4Space) Program, the ULyS³ES facility was established with the goal to become the hub for university space research innovation and collaboration.

ULyS³ES is an interdisciplinary facility that serves as a pioneering academic hub for R&D and instruction innovations in space technology in the Philippines.

Dr. Joel Joseph Marciano, Jr., Acting Director of DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute & Program Manager of Stamina4Space Program opened the event by introducing all the esteemed guests that participated the inaugration. 

Just like our scholars who were sent abroad to study-- for a battle-- they long for home. That home is ULyS³ES.

The program was followed by series of messages from DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Peña, UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan, and UP-EEEI Director Michael Angelo Pedrasa.

BUILDING A SPACE FOR THE FUTURE OF SPACE

After the program came the ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by tours inside the ULyS³ES-1 and ULyS³ES-2 facilities.

STAMINA4Space is not only for UP. It is a multiplier program for other other universities, academe, and government institutions to help build a strong R&D community.

The closing ceremonies were done with another round of messages from the project leaders and other key officials like UP Diliman Vice Chancellor for Research and Development Dr. Fidel R. Nemenzo,  STeP-UP Project Leader, Engr. Paul Jason Co; DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit' DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Cristina Rowena L. Guevara.

"..this building has the power to inspire students to pursue careers and goals in space technology, [while] establishing and developing sustainable space program. SpaceTech is now within our reach. We need to show that Science and Technology is indespensable for national development as we can apply it for applications like weather prediction, disaster risk reduction and management, agriculture, and national planning," says UP Diliman Vice Chancellor for Research and Development Dr. Fidel R. Nemenzo.

He added that ULyS³ES is an opportunity to do science and technology for clear national goals, and an opportunity for UP to fulfill its mandate as a public service University.

Here's to designing and innovating our country's needs as we move towards becoming a space-capable nation.

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For students, teachers and researchers looking for where they may inquire about STAMINA4Space activities and the Ground Receiving Station facilities for their thesis and project proposals concerning architectural design of a space agency (and general questions about our space r&d), here's where you can send your inquiries:

STAMINA4Space / PHL-Microsat
✉️ stamina4space@eee.upd.edu.ph

PEDRO Center
✉️ grs@asti.dost.gov.ph