Small space satellites for the Philippines? Why not?

By Alex Villafania INQUIRER.net THE PHILIPPINES already has one satellite in space, Aguila II which is used for communications, but not yet for earth observation. However, the concept of such an antenna floating in outer space to peer into our country may not be as far-fetched. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has been looking into space technology applications as a means to provide geologic and environmental information about the Philippines. Such information is useful for geologists, environmental scientists and even civil planners. One such plan is to create a small satellite with a single purpose, usually taking photographic images across the spectrum that reveal information about ground consistency. Such a satellite will provide real-time information that can be interpreted by disaster mitigation and environmental agencies. The Science and Technology Coordinating Council-Committee on Space Technology Applications (STCC-COSTA) is the DOST's primary sub-agency that deals with the possible use of small satellites for government purposes. STCC-COSTA technical secretariat Jose Edgardo Aban said that he is conducting a pre-feasibility study on the development and launching of small satellites. He describes these as equipment weighing between 100 to 200 kilograms. One machine could possible cost at least a billion pesos to build, plus millions more to maintain. Aban said that the small satellite's purpose is mostly to peer into geologic formations that are not normally seen from ground level. A possible satellite type that can be used for the Philippines is one that revolves around the earth from the equator and takes 90 minutes per revolution. Disaster mitigation agencies, such as the National Disaster Coordinating Council, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology will have most use for the images taken by the small satellite to assess ground risks, such as potential landslides and flooding. Aban noted that most satellite-based images of Philippine geography are purchased from third-party satellite imaging agencies from abroad. However, because the Philippines is usually struck by natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides and flooding, agencies that need the images usually get them long after they are actually needed. “The most crucial period where disaster mitigation companies need the images are before, during and immediately after an incident. The agencies will use this information to plan their next move and to ensure efficient delivery of assistance to affected areas," Aban said. On the other hand, Aban said the cost of building and maintaining a small satellite could prove burdensome to the Philippine budget so partnerships with some Southeast Asian countries could be one possibility. “We've yet to link up with agencies from other governments and that's what we'll be doing during some regional events,” Aban said.