By Martin A. Sadongdong
The Philippines’ first microsatellite, Diwata-1, has circled the Earth over 4,000 times while taking images not just of the Philippines but also of other parts of the globe, according to the PHL-Microsat Program.
Diwata-1, which was launched into space from the International Space Station (ISS) on April 27, 2016, has circled the Earth for approximately 4,083 times as of January 13 (Friday).
Diwata, the first microsatellite built by an all-Filipino team.
(DOST via Official Gazette) | Manila Bulletin
It was built to undertake scientific missions related to weather observation, environmental monitoring and disaster risk management.
The PHL-Microsat Program also reported that it will create a three-part series on the prediction of the satellite tracks of Diwata-1.
“By doing this, we would know when Diwata-1 will pass over the country, where it will pass, and for how long,” Benjamin Magallon, Diwata-1 engineer, said over PHL-Microsat Program’s official blog.
Last year, the images taken by the Diwata-1 was hailed as “world best” by an international university.
“The PHL-Microsat Program aims to build, launch and effectively utilize micro-satellite technology for multispectral, high precision earth observation. It is a collaboration between Tohoku University, Hokkaido University, Department of Science and Technology’s Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), and University of the Philippines-Diliman. It is funded by the DOST through the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD),” Magallon added.