PHL-Microsat-1, nicknamed Diwata (Fairy,) is the first of two proudly Filipino-made micro-satellites which is scheduled to be launched next year.
![Japan's SDS-1 Micro-satellite, Diwata could look similar to this. (Photo via JAXA, Japan Aerospace eXploration Agency)](https://www.thedailypedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/sds1-global.jaxa_.jp_.jpg)
The satellite is the thesis of a group of Filipino scientists currently completing their Master’s Degree program under a scholarship grant from Japan’s Tohoku and Hokkaido Universities. The second micro-satellite, that has yet to be nicknamed, will hopefully launch in 2017.
As the name suggests, a micro-satellite is a small satellite typically weighing between 10 to 100 kilograms. PHL-Microsat-1 and 2 will weigh around 50 kilograms each. Despite the size, they would still be able to provide pictures, measurements, and data sufficient for research and observation purposes.
Equipped with a High Precision Telescope and a Spaceborne Multispectral Imager, Diwata will be able to capture 3,600 images daily. These photos could prove helpful for disaster preparedness and weather forecasting; environmental, agricultural, fisheries, and forest conservation; monitoring of cultural and historical sites; and even security purposes. It can even determine the extent of damage from disasters and can note changes in heritage sites like the Cordillera Rice Terraces or the Mayon Volcano.
![ISS astronauts will deploy Diwata into orbit. (Image: NASA)](https://www.thedailypedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/International-Space-Station.jpg)
The satellite will be placed in LEO (Low Earth Orbit) after being launched from the ISS (International Space Station, a large habitable satellite.) Back on Earth, the data from Diwata will be received by PEDRO (Philippine Earth Data Resources Observation,) a ground station to be constructed in Subic. PEDRO will also be in charge of controlling Diwata.
![This is how those Filipino students/scientists will assemble Diwata. (Image: JAXA)](https://www.thedailypedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Scientists-Inspecting-Micro-Satellite.jpg)
Meanwhile, a separate research laboratory will be set up in UP Diliman. Their task is to work on continuing improvements on the country’s micro-satellite program.