1st Filipino Cube Satellite Set for Delivery to International Space Station

28 Juni 2018

MAYA-1 cube satellite (photo : Birds)

The first Filipino cube satellite, MAYA-1, is scheduled to be delivered to the International Space Station on June 29 for its space launch in July.

“Implemented by the PHL-Microsat Program of the University of the Philippines Diliman, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology – Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) and the Kyushu Institute of Technology, Maya-1 was turned over to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) last May 15, to prepare for its launch,” Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) said.

DOST-PCIEERD said development of the Maya-1 falls under BIRDS-2 (Birds Satellite Project), a cross-border interdisciplinary satellite project that accommodates non-space faring countries.

“The project consists of 11 participating team members from four different countries – two of whom are from the Philippines,” it added.

“Maya-1 is set to take images of the earth using onboard cameras, broadcast signals from various satellites, and determine their locations, measure atmospheric density through orbital analysis, help operate a ground station network for CubeSat constellation – an application that will allow for easier telecommunication, and measure single-event-latch ups in orbit,” DOST-PCIEERD said.

“Just like how Diwata-1 and Diwata-2 paved the way for science to grow and flourish in the Philippines, Maya-1 will serve as a representation on how we strive to make our mark as a globally competitive country in the space tech scene,” it added.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will be launching an uncrewed SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft, lift off on a Falcon 9 rocket, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on June 29 to deliver supplies and equipment to the International Space Station.

(Mintfo)