MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) –  The Philippines will see the launching of its first-ever satellite in April this year, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario Montejo said yesterday. The schedule was set after the DOST firmed up the arrangements with an American provider of space shuttle services on which the “micro satellite” would be launched.

Filipino scientists from the DOST are now in Japan, collaborating with space scientists from Hokkaido University, in the assembly of the micro satellite. Though the assembly is now getting much assistance from Japanese scientists, Montejo said the Filipinos are doing the actual design and fabrication activities.

The micro satellite will be a key component of the cutting edge remote sensing technology capability being developed by the DOST, which will use satellite imagery and ground data processing to generate data and information on agricultural and also marine and mountain conditions.

There is, however, one big problem.

The Philippine micro satellite’s planned and designated orbit in space has already been claimed by China as part of the latter’s continuing territorial expansionist policy.  China has vowed to protect and defend its space territory against any intruders, the Philippines included.

It looks like the Philippines-China territorial dispute in the South China Sea has been launched into space!