DOST: Philippines to Launch Its Very Own Satellites in 2016 and 2017 'Diwata'

Image source: Rappler

The talk about launching our country's own satellite in space has been around since 2011. Debates about the technicalities and budget for this huge project have been ongoing and last june 2014, they have finally settled the matter as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) releases an announcement about the upcoming satellite launch in the year 2016.

Now as the year 2015 opens up for us, another progress about the issue has been made. This news is yet another leap with the Philippine's Technological Advancement.

On Tuesday, March 10 DOST excitedly announce that Philippines will finally launch its very own Microsatellites on 2016 and 2017.

This three-year project that costs a little over P840 Million ($19 m) is known as Philippine Scientific Earth Observation Micro-Satellite (PHL-Microsat). The first microsat is known as PHL-Microsat-1 or 'Diwata' which is set to be launched at the International Space Station on 2016. The second one, PHL-Microsat-2 will follow on 2017.

These satellites will aid us in terms of weather forecast, forest protection, disaster management, fisheries and cultural and historical preservation.