Fictional Pinay astronaut's story now available in six official UN languages

VIENNA, Austria – Tala, a fictional Filipina astronaut, is reaching far and beyond as her story is now available in the six official languages of the United Nations.

On Independence Day 2026, Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) officials launched the UN edition of “Si Tala at ang Kanyang Lakbay Kalawakan!” (Tala and Her Journey to Space) during the 69th session of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) in Vienna.

The book, originally published in Filipino by the PhilSA in 2023, follows its eponymous Filipina astronaut, whose adventures introduce readers to UN treaties on outer space and key concepts in space diplomacy.

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) published “Tala” in English with translations into French, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, and Russian.

“The book began as a simple yet meaningful vision to introduce space law, diplomacy, and fundamental space concepts to Filipino children in a way that is engaging, relatable, and easy to understand,” PhilSA Ad Interim Director General Gay Jane Perez said during the launch.

“It was designed to help young learners appreciate the five UN Treaties on Outer Space and to foster early awareness of space policy, governance, and the peaceful use of outer space."

Screenshots of book covers from UNOOSA and the Philippine Embassy in Vienna

Tala’s cosmic journey

In her 34-page cosmic journey, Tala invites young learners to register with the UN as space travelers, design a new Philippine satellite, and learn about five UN treaties on outer space.

For the PhilSA team, the illustrations are “the easiest way” for readers to understand the objectives and purpose of the five international agreements, but the book’s underlying message makes the project more universal.

“Values like curiosity, cooperation, and caring for our shared future resonate with children everywhere, just as they underpin the Outer Space Treaties,” the PhilSA team told GMA News.

Tala’s adventure has been translated into the six UN languages with the aim of “preserv[ing] the story’s spirit across cultures”.

“It’s meaningful to know that children around the world can now share the same story and the same message: that outer space belongs to all humanity and should remain peaceful for everyone.”

The Philippine Embassy in Vienna, which has representation at UNOOSA, commended the people behind the “Tala” project and its translation.

“This initiative reflects the shared commitment of the Philippines and UNOOSA to advancing space education, promoting awareness of international space law, and inspiring the next generation of space leaders around the world,” the embassy said.

‘Pangarap na Bituin’

Since the book’s publication in 2023, the PhilSA team has organized reading events to bring Tala’s story closer to young Filipino readers.

“Tala” has traveled to Quezon City, Siargao, and even Geneva in Switzerland. The book can also be viewed online for free on PhilSA’s website.

PhilSA considers the UN version a “significant milestone” as Filipino-developed educational materials are brought to the international community, and that the project represents the country’s “growing role in advancing space policy and fostering international cooperation."

“One of the things we hope Tala can do is inspire Filipino children to see themselves in the future of space exploration,” PhilSA said. “She isn’t a superhero from another planet. She’s a Filipina child with big dreams, and we hope young readers can relate to her curiosity and aspirations.”

At the book’s UN version launch in Vienna, UNOOSA Director Aarti Holla-Maini highlighted the importance of space education.

“Inspiring the youth is not just about teaching science; it is also about teaching the rules, cooperation, and diplomacy that keep space peaceful and sustainable for everyone,” Holla-Maini said.

“Tala” will have additional translations coming up. According to PhilSA, UNOOSA is working with member states, including Liechtenstein, which will oversee a German translation for six German-speaking countries, as well as Malta and Slovenia, which are also preparing translations in their respective languages.

PhilSA hopes that the many children worldwide who will learn about Tala’s story will “never stop dreaming and exploring the universe, but also be guided by the principles of the UN Outer Space Treaties and responsible behavior while in outer space.”

“Space is within humanity’s reach, and we should all ensure to contribute to the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space that would benefit all humanity for the present and future generations.” — VBL, GMA News