MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines' first sounding rocket launch in 2027 is only the beginning of a much bigger ambition, with the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) estimating that ₱17 billion will be needed to build the country's first commercial spaceport.
 |
| Prototype rocket launch by the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA). |
PhilSA Director General Dr. Gay Jane Perez said the planned liquid-fueled sounding rocket launch in Cagayan next year is a "baby step" toward developing the country's own launch capabilities and positioning the Philippines in the fast-growing global space economy.
The clarification came after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) that the Philippines will conduct its first liquid-fueled sounding rocket launch from Philippine soil in 2027.
READ: Marcos announces first liquid-fueled rocket launch from Philippine soil
In an interview with GMA's 24 Oras, Perez explained that the rocket to be launched with the assistance of a South Korean aerospace company will be relatively small and designed primarily for research purposes.
She said the sounding rocket will be used for atmospheric profiling and scientific studies, collecting data on weather conditions and air quality through onboard sensors instead of carrying a satellite into orbit.
Perez said the demonstration launch will help build local expertise while preparing the country for more advanced rocket and satellite launch missions in the future.
Beyond the initial launch, PhilSA hopes to establish an international commercial spaceport that can serve rocket launches from other countries.
She said the Philippines has a strategic advantage because of its location near the equator, allowing rockets to reach orbit more efficiently while reducing launch costs.
Perez said the global space economy is projected to become a US$1 trillion industry by the end of the decade, making it a major opportunity for the country.
"The space economy po ang pinag-uusapan natin dito ay USD 1 trillion industry by the end of the decade. This is the next BPO. Gusto nating maging handa for that," Perez said.
She emphasized that PhilSA's mandate is to promote the peaceful use of outer space while building the country's space capabilities.
Perez said constructing a Philippine spaceport would require around ₱17 billion in investments, adding that the project could be funded through private sector participation as the government works to turn the country's long-term space ambitions into reality.
— The Summit Express
Start the conversation. Share your thoughts, insights, or reactions, and connect with fellow readers.