PhilSA Aims to Establish Philippines as Strategic Space Gateway with Proposed Spaceport Development

Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) aims to make the Philippines a strategic space gateway by advocating for a national spaceport through public-private partnerships (PPPs). They plan to identify and develop launch and landing sites in the country, leveraging its equatorial location, proximity to major space economies, and growing technical capabilities.

PhilSA Director General Dr. Joel Joseph S. Marciano Jr. emphasized that spaceports serve as gateways to new industries, offering the Philippines a chance to actively participate in the global space economy. The spaceport project aligns with PhilSA's other initiatives, such as Earth observation satellites and a telecommunications satellite, all aimed at capitalizing on policy and investment reforms to attract high-value projects.

Dr. Gay Jane Perez, PhilSA's deputy director general, highlighted discussions with international partners, particularly the US, to explore collaboration on spaceport development. The agency envisions combining foreign expertise with local innovation to create spaceport infrastructure that meets the rising demand for launch services.

President Marcos' focus on attracting foreign expertise and companies underscores the importance of developing spaceports, satellites, and data utilization to boost the domestic space industry. PhilSA's roadmap towards space industrialization involves engaging private developers, aerospace firms, and government entities to establish viable sites and investment models.

As interest in commercial launches, small satellites, and space tourism grows globally, PhilSA's satellite development and data services aim to prepare the local market for 'Space Economic Industrial Zones'. The PPP submission for the spaceport project is currently under evaluation, signaling progress towards realizing the Philippines' spaceport ambitions.

According to the source: Manila Bulletin.