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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Diwata-2 exceeds five-year lifespan in orbit

Diwata-2 exceeds five-year lifespan in orbit

Published Oct 29, 2024 03:15 pm
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Philippine Space Agency

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said on Tuesday, Oct. 29 that Diwata-2, the country’s second Earth observation microsatellite, has entered its sixth year of operation, surpassing its expected five-year lifespan.

Diwata-2 was developed by researchers from the University of the Philippines Diliman and the Department of Science and Technology-Advanced Science and Technology Institute, in collaboration with Tohoku University and Hokkaido University in Japan, as part of the Philippine Scientific Earth Observation Microsatellite Program.

It was successfully launched into a 600-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit on Oct. 29, 2018, and is equipped with optical cameras for scientific Earth observation.

Diwata-2, which PhilSA now operates under a memorandum of agreement with the DOST, continues to capture valuable satellite imagery used for environmental assessments, agricultural management, and post-disaster monitoring in the Philippines.

Through the Sentinel Asia network, it provides critical imagery of disaster-affected areas to neighboring countries for effective disaster response.

“While in space, Diwata-2 remains actively operational, continuing its mission with its amateur radio unit (ARU), which has provided valuable service to radio enthusiasts across the world,” PhilSA said.

Scientists also utilize Diwata-2 imagery to determine a tropical cyclone’s intensity.

By capturing images from multiple angles, they can create detailed 3D models of typhoons, enabling them to calculate wind strength through a process known as stereo photogrammetry.

PhilSA also highlighted a significant advancement in the country’s satellite technology with the ongoing development of the Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment (MULA).

“Building on the achievements of Diwata-2, the development of the Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment marks an exciting new phase in the Philippines’ satellite capabilities. The Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment is the Philippines’ first and largest commercial-grade satellite, currently under development,” PhilSA said.

“MULA is designed to support the nation’s goals in food security, disaster resilience, environmental conservation, and national security,” it added.

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PhilSA microsatellites Diwata-2
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