PHL, Japan inks declaration to deepen space cooperation

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have signed a joint declaration of interest in space cooperation, reaffirming their commitment to expanding collaboration in space science, technology and related industries.

The declaration was signed by PhilSA Ad Interim Director General Gay Jane P. Perez and JAXA President Hiroshi Yamakawa on May 27 during Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s four-day state visit to Japan.

In a statement, PhilSA said the declaration reaffirmed both countries’ “shared goals and objectives” and their interest in pursuing cooperation and industry partnerships in satellite joint missions and data applications, space exploration and human spaceflight, and space sustainability.

The signing coincided with the 10th anniversary of the launch of Diwata-1, the Philippines’ first microsatellite, which was deployed into orbit from the Japanese Experiment Module of the International Space Station.

“As we mark the 10th anniversary of the launch into orbit of the Diwata-1 microsatellite from the Japanese module of the International Space Station this year, we are reminded of how our partnership has quite literally reached new heights, symbolizing our shared commitment to innovation, science, and the industries of the future,” Mr. Marcos said during a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on May 28.

The declaration comes as the Philippines and Japan continue to expand their longstanding cooperation in space activities, including the joint hosting of the 31st Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum in Cebu in November last year.

PhilSA said Japanese satellite data has also supported disaster response efforts in the Philippines through Sentinel Asia, an international cooperation program that provides satellite imagery for rapid disaster assessment.

The agency cited JAXA’s provision of satellite data following the May 2 pyroclastic density current event at Mayon Volcano, which helped map volcanic deposits in affected areas.

The partnership likewise covers space education and research programs involving Filipino students and researchers.

PhilSA said it looks forward to continuing its collaboration with JAXA on satellite data applications for environmental monitoring and disaster management, as well as other space-related initiatives. — Edg Adrian A. Eva