PHL-Microsat Program Review & Scientific Forum

The University of the Philippines, with support from the DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute, conducted the PHL-Microsat Program's first Forum: P.U.S.H Space S&T (Platform for Understanding, Sustaining, and Harnessing Space S&T in the Philippines) last 19 November 2016 at Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City. The event was attended by various delegates from the academe and different industry sectors.

The PHL-MICROSAT Program: Development of Philippine Scientific Earth Observation Microsatellite, funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), is a multi-agency research and development effort of the University of the Philippines Diliman, Advanced Science and Technology Institute, Tohoku University, and Hokkaido University. The Program launched the Philippines' first Earth observation microsatellite, Diwata-1, in the first quarter of 2016.

PHL-MICROSAT Program Assessment and Planning Workshop

Last 18 November 2016, the PHL-Microsat Program held its first program review and public science forum held at Golden Phoenix Hotel Manila. This event aims to help the members assess and review the program. About 50 members of the PHL-MICROSAT Program attended the workshop. Through this activity, each project was able to share their major accomplishments, problems encountered, actions taken, and recommended future interventions that will help sustain a Philippine Space Program that addresses the needs and priority areas in the country.

PHL-Microsat Forum: P.U.S.H. Space S&T (Platform for Understanding, Sustaining, and Harnessing Space S&T in the Philippines

With the support of the DOST- Advanced Science and Technology Institute, the PHL-Microsat Program’s first Forum: P.U.S.H. Space S&T (Platform for Understanding, Sustaining, and Harnessing Space S&T in the Philippines) was held last November 19, 2016 in Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City with delegates coming from the academe and different industry sectors. The goal of this forum is to provide relevant updates of the program from Diwata-1 to Diwata-2 development. The forum featured distinguished speakers from the PHL-Microsat Program and Department of Science and Technology. After each set of presentations, participants were given a chance to ask questions.

The PHL-Microsat Program leader, Dr. Joel Marciano, officially opened the forum with a short presentation on how the Philippines can benefit from microsatellite technology. Following his presentation is the encouraging speech of Assistant Secretary for Finance, Administrative and Legal Affairs, Atty. Emmanuel Galvez. Atty. Galvez said that Diwata-1 is not just a microsatellite but also a source of pride and gratitude. In his speech, he expressed his support not just to the program but to other research and development efforts. He invited everyone to take part in this endeavor.

Succeeding the welcoming remarks was Prof. Yukihiro Takahashi, the program’s keynote speaker. He presented the potentials of the development of microsatellites and its importance. He emphasized that innovation is a combination of technology, application, and needs. Along with this, he announced the joining of the Philippines to the Asian Microsatellite Consortium. The consortium will comprise 17 space agencies and universities from nine Asian nations, including Japan and Philippines.

Engr. Raul Sabularse, Deputy Executive Director of DOST-PCIEERD, presented a bigger picture of the establishment of the Philippine Space Agency and its goals for the next 10 years. One of the goals of the agency is to develop indigenous satellites and to have capability on building rockets. He stated that the agency would aim to give scholarship to interested engineers and scientists and form an 800-strong workforce.

Other topics discussed during the forum were Diwata-1’s applications, data distribution, capacity building, and Diwata-2 development updates. The queries of the participants centered on data access, collaboration, and operations.

DOST Visit | November 21, 2016

The Tohoku University and Hokkaido University Professors and Scholars together with some of the project members visited the Department of Science and Technology. Part of the visit was holding a talk at the Lecture Room of the Advance Device and Material Testing Laboratory’ (ADMATEL) of the DOST-ITDI. The speakers for the talk were Dr. Kuwahara, Dr. Ishida, Dr. Sakamoto, and Dr. Talampas. The Laboratory Manager of ADMATEL, Dr. Monsada, graced the talk with welcome remarks and a short presentation on their facilities. The participants of the talk comprised of professionals from different institutions. Following the talk is a tour at the facilities of ADMATEL, the Electronics Product Development Center (EPDC) of DOST-ASTI, and the Prototyping and Development Center (MIRDC).

The team members of the PHL-Microsat Program with the DOST Secretary 

PHL-MICROSAT Program: Project 2. Ground Receiving Station for the PHL-Microsat

The project focuses on capability building, development and launch of a two 50-kg class microsatellites called Diwata-1 and Diwata-2 into space. It also involves the establishment of the facility for the ground receiving station to receive imagery and data from the microsatellite. The microsatellite will perform several applications based on its mission which will cover environmental monitoring and disaster mitigation. In terms of capability building, the Filipino engineers are working with Japanese experts on the actual bus and payload. The engineers will earn masters degree upon successful completion of the program they are involved in.