The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) marked a significant milestone in the realm of Earth Observation (EO) with the official launch of the “Kabatiran mula Kalawakan: The 2023 Decadal Survey of Earth Observation in the Philippines” during the second Space Ecosystem Corps (SPOC) session held at the University of the Philippines Diliman last 29 February 2024.
The comprehensive 2023 Decadal Survey represents a collaborative effort between the scientific community and various stakeholders to identify and address the most critical challenges in EO for the Philippines over the next decade. The book outlines key objectives and proposes satellite solutions to tackle persistent or emerging issues in the field.
The survey evaluated the current state of EO needs and utilization in the country, prioritized challenges that could be addressed through space-based technology, suggested priority missions to overcome these challenges, and provided recommendations for the integrated and sustainable implementation of space-based EO, data utilization, and mobilization.
Conducted in two phases, the survey’s initial stage involved engaging experts from the scientific community to identify six focus areas: Hydrologic Cycles and Climate Studies; Weather, Air Quality and Atmospheric Processes; Earth Surface and Interior: Dynamics and Processes; Hazards and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management; Aquatic Ecosystems and Water Resources Management; and Terrestrial Ecosystems and Land Resources Management.
The second phase saw representatives from academia, government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), and private institutions ranking the identified challenges and objectives. The Philippine Space Council (PSC) members also participated in a Delphi Survey, contributing insights into key challenges and objectives for the decade, as well as information on ongoing space-related activities within their agencies.
The results of the survey will play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of scientific research and potential funding priorities for the next decade. Additionally, the findings will inform the development of PhilSA’s 10-year Space Mission and Technology Roadmap and the Data Mobilization and Utilization Plan.
Initiated in 2020 through the Advanced Satellite Development and Know-How Transfer for the Philippines Project (ASP) under the Space Technology and Application Mastery, Innovation and Advancement (STAMINA4Space) Program, the Decadal Survey has evolved under PhilSA’s guidance since its establishment.
Interested individuals can access the full 2023 Decadal Survey on Earth Observation in the Philippines on the official PhilSA website.
The SPOC session serves as a platform for experts in the Space Science and Technology Alliance (SSTA) to exchange information, share best practices, and provide feedback on SSTA programs and developments. PhilSA envisions SPOC as a thriving space hub fostering learning and skill-sharing among its community members.