Philippines Eyes Space Investments, Leveraging Equatorial Location

MANILA, Philippines — With the upcoming rocket test launch in Cagayan, the Philippines is leveraging its location near the equator to attract global satellite providers and space launch companies. “When you are near the equator, you save on rocket fuel,” Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda said at yesterday’s Kapihan sa Manila Bay media forum. “Cagayan is strategic because of its existing infrastructure and proximity to big bodies of water. This launch puts us on the map for other satellite providers to consider us as a partner,” he added. While full economic returns may take several years to materialize, establishing a sovereign launch capability is vital to supporting the government’s digital connectivity agenda, Aguda said. He said satellite communications are crucial during disasters, citing Starlink’s direct-to-cell technology that provided emergency connectivity to 700,000 residents in Mindanao after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake knocked down cellular towers. The demonstration flight will be the first liquid-fueled sounding rocket to be launched from the Philippines. Choosing Cagayan as the site of the launch was based on geoeconomic strategy, according to Katrina Ponce Enrile, administrator and chief executive officer of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority. The CEZA manages the freeport zone where the space port will be established.