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Diwata-2 Microsatellite to be Launched in Outer Space Soon

Looks like the Philippines is going to launch another “fairy” into outer space soon.

The Diwata-2, sibling to the country’s first microsatellite Diwata-1, will be launched soon according to Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara.

There is no specific date yet, but DOST is positive that the Diwata-2 will be launched from Japan this year.

Guevara also noted that Diwata-2 will carry “something that was made here” as opposed to its predecessor where most parts were crafted in Japan: “What’s good about about the Diwata-2 is that it carries more refined instruments, and it also has an amateur radio made in the Philippines.”

Diwata-2 is also lighter and more cubic according to DOST. It will also be launched at a higher orbit via an H-IIA rocket that launches satellites into a geostationary orbit.

The Diwata-1, successfully launched in outer space on April 27, 2017, was made by a team of Filipino engineers. They were sent to Japan to undergo an extensive course on microsatellites and worked with engineers from Hokkaido University and Tohoku University in Japan. They’re also the same team that is now working on the Diwata-2.

Guevara also informed reporters that the DOST is planning to open the country’s first microsatellite laboratory this year.

“Through this laboratory, we would be able to make our own microsatellite by next year,” she said.

The microsatellite laboratory is expected to be launched by the third quarter of 2018 and will be open to everyone since it’s a national facility. This will hopefully help inspire more young people to take interest in the country’s budding space program.

via Philippine News Agency / Ma. Cristina Arayata

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