PHILIPPINE MICROSATELLITE PROGRAM
Reaching for the stars… while stuck at home
I’m sure we can all agree on our insignificance compared to the infinite vastness of the universe, much like a single grain of sand on the shores of Boracay. Ever since the discovery of fire around 420 million years ago up until the founding of the United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1958, our curiosity has driven us to explore everything beyond our own world. Space science, engineering, and exploration, however, are not just confined to Houston or Cape Canaveral; we have developments of our own, right here in the Philippines.
Funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Sustained Support for Local Space Technology & Applications Mastery, Innovation and Advancement (STAMINA4Space) Program is our country’s foray into satellite research and development. Formerly (and perhaps also) known as the PHL-Microsat Program, STAMINA4Space is implemented by our own UP Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute (EEEI) through the Space Science and Technology Proliferation through University Partnerships (STeP-UP) Project.
Being one out of STAMINA4Space’s four components, STeP-UP aims to further improve satellite development and space infrastructure in our country. Unlike what has been described as the “balikbayan box-sized” Diwata-1 (2016) and Diwata-2 (2018) microsatellites, however, this program is focused on training scholars to build lighter and more cost-efficient nanosatellites. One such example is Maya-1: the first nanosatellite built by Filipinos.
In 2018, STeP-UP received its first batch of applications — 16 from scholars of different backgrounds and institutions. After undergoing an intense and gruelling screening process involving predetermined criteria and numerous interviews, 8 out of the 16 were admitted by the National Graduate School of Engineering (NGSE) and endorsed by the DOST’s Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI). Hence, their work as pioneers of satellite building in our country began.
A lot of progress has been made since the start of the project last January 2019. However, as Mayas 3 and 4 were about to undergo space environment testing, the Coronavirus Pandemic had started to spread across the country. “The pandemic really hit at a bad time. The project had to come up with strategies to still deliver the output while not placing the members’ health and safety at risk,” said Renzo Wee, Project Manager of STeP-UP’s first batch of scholars. As satellite development was very much new to the team then, members worked together in performing and verifying each others’ tasks. “When the pandemic struck, a lot of restrictions were imposed, especially on the movement of people. So we had to adjust how we do things. Each of us played on our strengths and assisted each other for our weaknesses,” Wee added.
The second batch of applications opened last January 2020. This time, however, the project received a total of 53 applications — more than triple that of the first batch. Again, only 8 were admitted into the program to continue the work of their predecessors. Much like the first batch, STeP-UP’s second consists of students from different backgrounds and institutions throughout the country. Some of its members include Project Manager Gio Asher Tagabi of Quezon City, Joseph Jonathan Co of Valenzuela City, and Khazmir Camille Valerie Macaraeg of Batangas City.
According to Project Manager Tagabi, the batch was already quite familiar with the situation since their work actually started last September 2020. Thus, they resorted to a work-from-home setting to comply with the requirements and activities needed for their cube satellites (or CubeSats).
“Before we started our program, we were given a glimpse of the different workloads that we can do for the development of the CubeSats, in which we were made to decide as to what workload we wanted to work on. Ultimately, our advisers gave us the tasks and responsibilities based on our preferences and our strengths,” Tagabi added.
According to both Wee and Tagabi, the biggest challenge not only for them, but for their teams as well, were the limitations imposed by community quarantine. Wee pointed out that since a big chunk of the program is hardware development, physical presence at EEEI is required for the full maximization of their work. “We had to schedule our visits to EEE to conduct on-site work as we have to limit our visits to 3 times a week in compliance with the university’s health and safety protocols,” Tagabi mentioned. These challenges, on top of the uncertainty brought by this seemingly never-ending pandemic, created an elevated feeling of stress among the members of both teams.
Despite these limitations, however, both teams are doing whatever they can to meet their deliverables. As the first batch is approaching the last phase of their program, the team is preparing for any possible adjustments in the near future. “Although facility restrictions continue to relax, the health and safety of the people are of utmost importance. As long as there isn’t a need for on-site work, we will make use of a remote setup for tracking, operation, and mission execution,” said Wee.
As for the second batch, Tagabi mentioned that if community quarantine continues for another year or so, the program might have to be extended until such time that the project is completed. “We are currently doing our best to have the CubeSats finished within the allotted time, and we do hope that the situation will improve for the better,” he added.
There are arguably a lot of “more pressing” issues in our country at the moment: immense socioeconomic inequality, poverty, hunger, lack of access to basic social services, and others that hit very close to the stomachs of everyday Filipinos. One would be forgiven to think that investments in space science, engineering, and perhaps even exploration would seem like an unnecessary waste of taxpayers’ money. Nevertheless, there is an argument for these programs and how they can uplift ordinary Filipinos here on Earth.
“Investment in space science is like investing in two timelines — now and the future. The fact that someone who is looking for a restaurant, someone smart farming, or even someone in their self-driving car are all using the same technology is just amazing. Space technology can not only be used in telecommunications, but can also greatly develop industries, generate jobs, and even provide better disaster risk reduction management to our country,” Wee explained.
While STeP-UP is currently in its third year, the project managers of both teams are looking forward to what the project, and the STAMINA4Space Program as a whole, has in store for the country’s future batch of satellite engineers.
“For anyone looking into entering the field of space science and engineering, do it. No matter who you are, no matter where you are, there is always something for you in space. This field is only in its infant stage with a potential of exponential growth. Sure, it won’t be easy, as is everything [is] in life, but I’m also sure that it will be one hell of a ride,” Wee expressed.
