A microsatellite developed by Filipino scientists with the help of experts from universities in Japan is set to be launched into space on Monday, Oct. 29.
Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato dela Peña said he would go to Japan to personally witness the launch of the satellite dubbed as Diwata 2.
The new microsatellite was the second to be launched after the country introduced Diwata 1 in May 2016.
The launch of Diwata 2 will be seen live simultaneously at the University of the Philippines.
The DOST chief said images from Diwata 2 will benefit government agencies, as the satellite can capture specifically those related to agriculture, natural resources, climate as well as navigational security, as it can also monitor illegal entry of shipping vessels into the country’s territory.
According to Dela Peña, the new micro satellite is equipped with the latest technology that enables it to take images of the Philippines and across the globe as well as an amateur radio unit necessary for emergency or disaster response.
The microsatellite will also be useful in assessing areas affected by calamities.
“Diwata 2 will have the capability of being used also for some kind of radio communication particularly when an emergency arises,” Dela Peña said.
The DOST chief said the agency has already installed ground station in Luzon and will set up similar facility in Visayas and Mindanao.
The DOST is pushing for the establishment of the country’s own space agency and hopes that the government approves its proposed budget of P245M for next year exclusive for space technology development.