PHL-made weather satellite to launch in April

The Philippines will take its first step into space with the launch of the Philippine Microsat Diwata 1 satellite this April.

Developed by a team of Filipino scientists, the balikbayan box-sized Diwata 1 will transmit multi-spectrum images of the Philippines to a ground receiver in Subic to aid in weather forecasting, disaster response and mitigation, and even crop monitoring.

The Department of Science and Technology's Dr. Carlos Primo David says that the name "Diwata"—a fairy-like creature from Philippine mythology—is apt.

"It symbolizes our hopes and dreams to launch our own satellite. (In a way) it's very magical for the scientists and engineers that will be using it," he told GMA News' Victoria Tulad.

Another microsatellite is set to be launched in 2017. — GMA News