QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Philippines celebrates a significant milestone as it commemorates the fifth anniversary of the launch of the Diwata-2 microsatellite on October 29, 2018. Initiated as a part of the country’s ambitious expansion in space technology, Diwata-2 has been instrumental in providing critical insights into Earth observation and remote sensing.
In a momentous decision, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-funded STAMINA4Space Program, spearheaded by the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman and DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute, has made a groundbreaking decision. Diwata-2’s data has been licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International license. This licensing permits unrestricted access and usage for any purpose as long as proper attribution is provided.
The release of Diwata-2’s data as open data signifies the Philippines’ commitment to democratizing space technology. This move not only simplifies access to invaluable information but also opens doors for innovation, research, and collaborative efforts. The decision showcases the country’s dedication to making space-related resources accessible for the benefit of all.
To honor the fifth anniversary of Diwata-2 and the STAMINA4Space Program, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) is reintroducing the data for public access through the Diwata Browser platform: https://diwata-browser.philsa.gov.ph/. This gesture aims to encourage further exploration and use of the satellite’s data.
As the nation marks the fifth anniversary of Diwata-2, the celebration extends beyond past achievements. The satellite’s data, now available to the public, holds the promise of unlocking numerous possibilities. This open data is a gift that holds the potential to benefit Filipinos, not only today but in the foreseeable future.
The Philippines has joined the growing global trend of making satellite data available as open data. This initiative not only promotes scientific research but can also drive economic growth and environmental management. The country aims to continue its progress in space technology and democratizing its benefits. (PhilSA/PIA-NCR)
