PHL-MICROSAT PROGRAM, DIWATA-1 and DIWATA-2

This blog will not be complete without mentioning the country's initial foray to space through the PHL-Microsat Program.

The PHL-Microsat Program

The PHL-Microsat Program is a R&D program supported by the Philippine's Department of Science and Technology (DOST). It started on 2015, with an aim to develop, launch and effectively utilize the country's first microsatellites, Diwata-1 and Diwata-2, and lay the foundation for a sustainable space science and technology ecosystem in the country.

The program is composed of five component project with focus on:
Project 1 - Development of the microsatellites
Project 2 - Development and operations of the ground receiving station for Diwata-1 and Diwata-2
Project 3 - Data processing, archiving and distribution
Project 4 - Calibration and validation of remote sensing instruments
Project 5 - Development of remote sensing data products

Diwata-1

Diwata-1, the country's first microsatellite is a 50-kg microsatellite launched to an ISS orbit at an altitude of ~420km. It was brought to space from Cape Canaveral Florida on March 23, 2016 and was released to its orbit from the Japanese "Kibo" on April 27, 2016. You can watch some videos of the launch here.

Diwata-1 carries four optical payloads intended for high-precision scientific Earth observation. The payloads and some of their target applications are listed below:

Content courtesy of the PHL-Microsat Program

Diwata-1 passes the country at an average of 4 times per day with an average duration of 9 minutes per pass. 

Diwata-2

Diwata-2 is also a 50-kg microsatellite currently under development and is targeted for launch via the HII-A rocket on 2018. It features improvements from Diwata-1 which includes deployable solar panels for increased power generation, and a communications payload using an amateur radio for voice messaging and digital data repeating.

Diwata-2 will occupy a different orbit from Diwata-1. It will be launched to ~600km Sun-synchronous orbit, which will enable the satellite to visit the country at the same time per day. This is particularly useful for monitoring applications.

PHL-Microsat Tools

The program released tools that can be used by the public:

Image browser - enables the user to view the captured images by Diwata-1
Satellite tracker - lets the user know the current location and estimated path of Diwata-1
Image request - lets the user request images from a specific region or place

 Capacity Building through the PHL-Microsat Program

 Aside from the satellite development and operations, the program is offering introductory courses on space science and technology. There are also ongoing construction for facilities that will house equipment for satellite development.

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