Diwata-2 Is Now In Space! More Satellites to Come?

As part of the PHL-MICROSAT Program, Diwata-2 has now been launched recently into space via the H-IIA rocket from Japan launched at the Tanegashima Space Center around lunch time in the Philippines of October 28. Diwata-1 was already launched back in 2016 and this second microsatelite made by Filipino scientists.

This is another milestone for Philippine space exploration and technology as we are now making our own space equipment for research and development. Diwata-2 was developed by 11 scholars under the Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in cooperation with the Tohoku University and Hokkaido University in contrast to 9 DOST scholars who worked with Diwata-1, Diwata-2's predecessor.


Diwata-2 will be used for disaster relief purposes, environmental monitoring, and rapid post-disaster assessment. With a more upgraded sensors and cameras, it will relay more precise data and transmitted to more receivers on earth.

With the country now launching more space related projects, we are optimistic that there would be more and develop this field. That this will also inspire more Filipinos to consider fields that work with these technology and eventually have our own space center and research facility. Though satellites are not easy and cheap, a growing interest is a great start to push more people to support this and eventually lead to more funding. 

For more information about Diwata-2 and other space programs by the DOST, you may check out their website and facebook page.