Philippines seeks affordable technology and expertise to accelerate its space ambitions…reports Asian Lite News Desk
The Philippines is looking to strengthen cooperation with India as it seeks to develop its indigenous space capabilities and expand investments in satellite technology, launch systems and space infrastructure, a report has said.
India’s space programme and its growing private-sector ecosystem could provide valuable expertise for the Southeast Asian country as it expands its national space ambitions, according to a report published in The Manila Times.
Closer cooperation between the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) could give Manila access to cost-effective engineering expertise, satellite development capabilities and shared priorities among developing countries, the report said.
The Philippines is expanding its space programme through initiatives focused on agriculture, disaster management, climate monitoring and national security.
PhilSA is developing the 130-kg Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment satellite, designed to support precision agriculture, coastal security and disaster-risk management.
The agency is also working to expand the use of satellite-derived data among local governments and civil society organisations, according to the report.
The country’s space ambitions received a further boost after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced plans to establish a spaceport in Cagayan province. He described domestic space capabilities as important for economic growth, national security and infrastructure development.
As part of its efforts to build technical expertise, PhilSA is also working with South Korean aerospace company Perigee Aerospace on a sounding rocket mission carrying a Philippine-developed payload.
India, meanwhile, is pursuing a long-term roadmap under its Space Vision 2047 programme, which includes the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission and future plans involving exploration of the Moon and Venus.
India’s rapidly expanding private space sector could also offer opportunities for international cooperation.
Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, for instance, has developed the Vikram series of launch vehicles and carried out India’s first launch of a privately developed rocket, the report said.
The growth of companies such as Skyroot reflects India’s transition from a largely government-led space programme towards a broader commercial space ecosystem.
This expanding ecosystem could position India as a potential partner for countries such as the Philippines seeking to develop independent and sustainable space capabilities.
For Manila, deeper engagement with India could provide access to expertise and technology while supporting its broader goal of using space-based capabilities to address development, security and environmental challenges.
