President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday chaired the 9th Philippine Space Council (PSC) meeting at Malacañan Palace, where key policies and programs aimed at advancing the country’s space science, technology, and national security capabilities were approved.
During the meeting, council members reviewed significant developments in the Philippine space sector, including satellite development projects, space infrastructure initiatives, and efforts to expand the use of space-based data in government operations.
The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) reported substantial progress on the Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment (MULA) satellite, the country’s first large-scale Earth observation satellite. Scheduled for launch as early as April 2027, MULA is expected to enhance disaster risk reduction and management, agricultural monitoring, environmental assessment, and land-use planning.
Recognizing the strategic importance of sovereign space assets, the council approved a resolution declaring the proposed MULA Constellation Program a national priority undertaking. The program aims to expand the Philippines’ Earth observation capabilities through a constellation of locally developed satellites, strengthening the country’s capacity to generate and manage critical geospatial data independently.
The PSC also approved the establishment of a Philippine Sovereign Geostationary Telecommunications Satellite Program, a landmark initiative designed to provide secure, reliable, and resilient communications services under Philippine control.
The proposed telecommunications satellite system is expected to help bridge connectivity gaps in geographically isolated and underserved communities, improve disaster response capabilities, and support mission-critical government communications and operations.
To maximize the value of satellite-derived information across government, the council likewise adopted a resolution to harmonize satellite data requirements among agencies. The measure seeks to improve planning, monitoring, and evidence-based decision-making while minimizing duplication of resources and investments.
In support of national space safety and preparedness efforts, the council approved a National Orbital Debris Response Protocol, which will establish a coordinated framework for government agencies responding to incidents involving space debris and rocket reentries within Philippine territory and maritime zones.
PhilSA reported that from June 2022 to May 2026, it monitored 90 space vehicle drop zones across Philippine waters and airspace, highlighting the increasing importance of coordinated space situational awareness and public safety measures.
The agency also updated the council on preparations for a sounding rocket test launch in Lal-lo, Cagayan, targeted between December 2026 and February 2027. The activity forms part of ongoing efforts to develop indigenous space launch capabilities and strengthen the country’s long-term participation in the global space sector.
The initiatives approved during the 9th PSC meeting underscore the Marcos administration’s commitment to leveraging space science and technology to enhance national development, public service delivery, connectivity, disaster resilience, and national security.
