Philippines' first microsatellite unveiled in Japan

The 'DIWATA-1', the Philippines' first microsatellite, was unveiled by Filipino and Japanese researchers on Wednesday (January 13) at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

DIWATA-1 is the Philippines first micro satellite for multi spectral high precision earth observation. Photo: REUTERS

"This is the first microsatellite that is built with Filipino engineers, and also the first microsatellite of the Philippines," said Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, the Undersecretary for Scientific and Technological Services of Department of Science and Technology, during a news conference before the microsatellite was shown to journalists.

The smooth, silver metal device is small in scale, weighing about 50 kilograms (110 lb).

Photographers take pictures of DIWATA-1, Philippines' first micro satellite for multi spectral high precision earth observation. Photo: REUTERS

The Philippines' Department of Science and Technology funded the project entirely, investing 800 million yen ($ 6.8 million) for 'DIWATA-1'.

The Filipino engineers were given the research know-how by Japanese researchers, including Tohoku University Space Robotics professor Kazuya Yoshida.

"The types of missions we're looking at include earth exploration, disaster monitoring, and weather monitoring," Yoshida said.

The device is scheduled to be sent to the International Space Station in March and launched in May. 'DIWATA-2', another microsatellite, is planned for a launch in 2017. — REUTERS