The Philippines, through the University Partnerships (STeP-UP) project of the STAMINA4Space Program, which is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and is implemented by the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) and the DOST Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), is advancing its "Maya" series of CubeSat projects. These projects provide opportunities for Filipino engineers to learn practical satellite development, which is a crucial step in enhancing the nation's technical capabilities.
Prerequisites:
• Access to EO data
• Capability to process, integrate and analyse EO data
• Satellite Manufacturing capabilities
• Ground segment capabilities
• Secure necessary orbital slots and frequency bands internationally for satellite operations
• Partner launch broker / rideshare slot
Cost:
• Ballpark: USD 50k–3M per mission
A simple CubeSat (typically designed for educational purposes) could be built and launched for as low as a few dozen thousand dollars, up to above one hundred thousand USD.
A more sophisticated CubeSat, packed with cutting-edge tech for intricate research or commercial purposes, could cost up to a few million USD (can vary substantially based on its complexity)
• Includes: satellite payload and bus procurement or in-house design, assembly/integration/verification (AIV) and testing, licensing and frequency allocation, launch services and insurance, ground station support, training and capacity building
Timeframe:
• Overall: 24–48 mo
• Phase: requirements definition & program setup (6–12 mo), design & procurement (6–12 mo), assembly, integration & testing (9–18 mo), launch & early operations (3–6 mo)
Pros:
• Upskilling - Fosters education and public engagement
• Timeline - Accelerates research and capability development
• Cost Effectiveness - Improves allocation of financial resources, maximizing impact while minimizing waste
Considerations:
• Limited Duration - CubeSats have a limited lifespan and capability
• Cost and Complexity - Need to consider launching costs and ways if to be sent to orbit, along with related regulatory processes
• Reliability - CubeSats are often less reliable than bigger satellites