Future satellite makers set to train in UP

Eight future satellite makers will hone their craft at the University of the Philippines Diliman under the Space Science Proliferation through University Partnerships (STeP-UP) Program.

According to the UP website, the new students are the second batch of scholars who will pursue Master's in Engineering in Electrical Engineering, with a special focus on nanosatellite engineering.

The pioneer batch, with the help of UP partner Kyushu Institute of Technology, developed the country's first locally built nano- or cube satellites, Maya 3 and 4.

"Though it is very much smaller than its predecessors, its importance to communication and disaster-related concerns is not diminished," said UP College of Engineering Dean Ferdinand Manegdeg. "Saying that these nanosatellites are essential to the economy is an understatement."

The first batch plans to hand over Maya 3 and 4 to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for a possible launch in 2021, while the new batch targets to finish Maya 5 and 6 in 2022.

Previously, Filipino space engineers Joven Javier and Adrian Salces created Maya 1. It was launched into space in 2018 equipped with cameras, transmitter, and data collection tools.

STeP-UP is a component of the STAMINA4Space program, which "aims to build healthy and vibrant space infrastructure" in the Philippines.

—MGP, GMA News