DOST eyes June 2018 launch for Diwata-2

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is targeting a June 2018 launch date for the Diwata-2, the planned second Filipino microsatellite.

"Ang target ng completion is around April next year in time for the planned launch by middle of next year, June 2018," Dr. Joseph Joel Marciano Jr., head of the agency's Advanced Science and Technology Institute, said during the department's budget briefing at the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

Marciano said the microsatellite is currently under development with the Philippines' partner universities in Japan.

"We still have our scholars, engineers, scientists going there and spending their time there," he said.

"At the same time, we are conducting parallel activities here, sa mga laboratories natin sa UP (University of the Philippines) and DOST to support the development. Meron pong mga component ang satellite na dito dine-design tapos ini-integrate pagdating sa Japan," he added.

Diwata-2 serves as a follow-up to Diwata-1, the first Filipino microsatellite, which was launched into space on April 27, 2016.

Both the Diwata-1 and Diwata-2 are developed by Filipino scientists in cooperation with Japanese universities and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. — MDM, GMA News