First Philippine-made micro-satellite expected to launch in April

The Philippines is expected to launch its first Filipino-made micro-satellite in April of this year according to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

DOST Secretary Mario Montejo said that the agency has already made arrangements with an American provider of space shuttle services for the launch of the country’s micro satellite, PhilStar reports.

Select DOST scientists are also currently in Japan to collaborate with space scientist from Hokkaido for the satellite’s assembly. Although aided by Japanese scientists, the satellite’s design and fabrication activities are done by Filipino scientists. The micro satellite will use cutting edge remote sensing technology developed by the DOST to monitor the condition of our forests, mountains, and agricultural and marine areas.

The DOST is planning to send two micro satellites in two years starting 2016 under the agency’s Project DREAM (Disaster Risk Exposure Assessment for Mitigation).

source: PhilStar