Marcos backs key satellite programs during Space Council meeting

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday presided over the 9th Philippine Space Council (PSC) meeting at Malacañang Palace, where officials presented initiatives designed to advance the country’s space science and technology industry.

During the meeting, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) reported progress on the Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment (MULA) satellite, which is set for launch as early as April 2027.

Once operational, the satellite is expected to support disaster management, agricultural monitoring, and environmental mapping.

The council likewise approved a resolution declaring the proposed MULA constellation program a national priority. This initiative seeks to expand the country’s sovereign Earth observation capabilities through locally developed satellites.

The PSC also approved the establishment of a Philippine Sovereign Geostationary Telecommunications Satellite Program, which aims to provide secure and reliable communications services.

“The proposed satellite system would help address connectivity gaps in remote areas, strengthen disaster resilience, and support mission-critical government operations,” the PCO said.

The council also adopted a resolution seeking to harmonize satellite data requirements across government agencies “to improve planning, monitoring, and decision-making while reducing duplication of resources.”

A national orbital debris response protocol, which aims to guide government agencies in responding to incidents involving space debris and rocket reentries within Philippine territory and maritime zones, was also approved.

PhilSA reported in the meeting that it tracked 90 space vehicle drop zones within Philippine waters and airspace between June 2022 and May 2026, highlighting the increasing need for coordinated space safety measures.

The agency also informed the council of its plans to carry out a sounding rocket test launch in Lal-lo, Cagayan, between December 2026 and February 2027, to develop the country’s space launch capabilities. —RF, GMA News