palasosat

Palasosat is a small, experimental Earth observation satellite developed by a team of students and researchers from the University of Palasos, a university in the Philippines. The project was initiated in 2016 as part of an effort to promote space education and technological innovation in the country. Palasosat is designed to demonstrate the capabilities of Filipino engineers in satellite technology and to provide valuable data for environmental monitoring, disaster response, and scientific research.

The satellite is a CubeSat, a type of nanosatellite based on a standard size of one liter (10 cm × 10 cm × 10 cm) for a one-unit CubeSat. Palasosat is a 1U CubeSat, meaning it occupies a single unit of this standard size. It weighs approximately 1 kilogram and is equipped with a high-resolution camera capable of capturing images of the Earth’s surface. The satellite also carries a small payload for atmospheric measurements, including sensors for temperature, humidity, and radiation.

Palasosat was launched into low Earth orbit aboard a commercial rocket in 2018 as a secondary payload. The mission aims to collect imagery and environmental data while demonstrating the feasibility of low-cost satellite technology for educational and research purposes. The satellite’s data is intended to support applications such as agricultural monitoring, urban planning, and disaster assessment, particularly in the Philippines, which is prone to natural hazards like typhoons and volcanic activity.

The project has been supported by government agencies, private sector partners, and international organizations, reflecting a collaborative effort to advance space capabilities in the Philippines. Palasosat serves as a platform for training future engineers and scientists while contributing to global efforts in space exploration and remote sensing. Its success has inspired further satellite development initiatives in the country, reinforcing the Philippines’ growing role in the global space community.