The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) produced flood extent maps showing flooded areas in Regions 1 and 2, and parts of Abra and Zambales following the heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm Maymay and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat). The analysis used Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite imagery captured on 06 August 2026 at 05:54 AM PhST (for Region 1) and 09 August 2026 at 05:58 PM PhST (for Region 2). The flooded areas were detected with the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI) using a composite of three Sentinel-1 SAR images. 

SAR satellite imagery is useful in flood mapping because SAR signals can penetrate through clouds that often cover large areas during storms, and regardless of daylight conditions, unlike optical imagery. However, SAR may underestimate flooding in urban and densely vegetated areas because complex surfaces may affect the backscatter data being measured and reduce flood detection accuracy. Please note that these maps remain subject to ground validation. 

PhilSA supports the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) in monitoring the situation and prioritizing areas for response through the analysis of wide-area coverage satellite data. By making space data accessible to stakeholders, PhilSA enables informed decision-making and strengthens disaster response. 

PhilSA will continue monitoring satellite data as the situation requires. Please follow local and national agencies for the latest advisories. 

Access the maps and shapefiles of flood extents here: 

• Region 1, and parts of Abra and Zambales: https://tinyurl.com/Flood-20260806-S1D 
• Region 2: https://tinyurl.com/Flood-20260809-S1C-Y2  

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirms the launch of the Jielong-3 rocket from the People’s Republic of China. Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zone (DZ): approximately 94 NM away from Babuyan Island, and 143 NM away from Santa Ana, Cagayan. This drop zone is within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). 

The Jielong-3 rocket was launched from the Yellow Sea Launch Area in offshore waters of Haiyang, Shandong Province, at around 10:38AM PhST on 05 August 2026. 

Details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an “aerospace flight activity.” PhilSA disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the launch.

Estimated drop zones of the Jielong-3 rocket launch on 05 August 2026

Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and fairing, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space. While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone. There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts. Additionally, the possibility of an uncontrolled re-entry to the atmosphere of the rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time. 

As global launch rates continue to accelerate, debris shed during staging events and the uncontrolled re-entry of large rocket upper stages pose growing hazards—not only to other spacecraft, but to civil aviation and to populations on the ground. The Philippines invites international partners to explore how our region can develop coordinated protocols and capabilities that protect both our space assets and our people on the ground. 

PhilSA reiterates its advice for the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted. PhilSA also cautions against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel. 

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirms the launch of the Long March 8A rocket from the People’s Republic of China. Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones (DZ): approximately 92 NM away from Patag Island, 143 NM away from Bajo de Masinloc, and 194 NM away from Busuanga, Palawan (DZ1); and 52 NM away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, 23 NM away from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, 103 NM away from Pangutaran Island, Sulu, and 113 NM away from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan (DZ2). DZ1 is within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and DZ2 is within Philippine archipelagic waters. 

The Long March 8A rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commerical Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan at around 4:52PM PhST on 04 August 2026. 

Details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an “aerospace flight activity.” PhilSA disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the launch.

Estimated drop zones of the Long March 8A rocket launch on 04 August 2026

Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and fairing, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space. While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone. There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts. Additionally, the possibility of an uncontrolled re-entry to the atmosphere of the rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time. 

As global launch rates continue to accelerate, debris shed during staging events and the uncontrolled re-entry of large rocket upper stages pose growing hazards—not only to other spacecraft, but to civil aviation and to populations on the ground. The Philippines invites international partners to explore how our region can develop coordinated protocols and capabilities that protect both our space assets and our people on the ground. 

PhilSA reiterates its advice for the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted. PhilSA also cautions against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel. 

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) invites all Filipino high school students to join the 2026 Patalasan sa #YamangKalawakan: The Full Anechoic Chamber Experiment Challenge! 

This nationwide competition calls on teams of 2-5 students to design an original experiment to be carried out at the Full Anechoic Chamber (FAC) at the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute (EEEI) of University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, one of the specialized space science facilities in the country. The experiment must be relevant to space science, satellite engineering, and other space technology applications. 

Online Mission Briefing sessions will be held from 08 – 14 August 2026, during Philippine Space Week. These sessions will consist of lectures on the basics of the FAC and guide the participants on the creation of their proposals. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/RegistrationFACMissionBriefing    

Create your experiment proposal and submit your Patalasan sa #YamangKalawalan: The Full Anechoic Chamber Experiment Challenge entry on or before 27 September 2026, 11:59PM PhST here: https://bit.ly/FACExptChallenge 

Mechanics and Guidelines 

1. The competition is open to all Filipino high school students currently enrolled in an educational institution in the Philippines. There are two categories: 
   1. Junior High School (Grades 7–10)  
   2. Senior High School (Grades 11–12)
2. Participants must form a team consisting of two (2) to five (5) students and one (1) teacher-coach. Team members may come from the same school or from different schools. For multi-school teams, the teacher-coach must belong to the same school as the designated Team Leader.Officials and employees of PhilSA, and their relatives up to the second degree of affinity or consanguinity, are not eligible to join the contest. For any changes in team composition during the competition, team leaders must notify PhilSA. Substitution or replacement of any team members is subject to PhilSA approval.
3. There is no limit to the number of proposals each team can submit. However, each proposal must be submitted separately.
4. Proposals must follow the prescribed template accessible at https://bit.ly/FACSubmissionForm 
   
5. Specialized materials must be identified in the proposal and are subject to safety, availability, and facility compatibility review. PhilSA shall provide the materials and consumables required for the conduct of the winning experiment proposal.
6. Proposed experiments must not introduce hazards, contamination risks, or activities that can damage the facility or obstruct safe movement. PhilSA and UP reserve the right to substitute or restrict any material based on safety and facility rules. Listed below are prohibited items or activities: 
   1. Dangerous materials (flammable, corrosive, or toxic). 
   2. Scattering of tiny objects (powders, confetti, small loose parts) that can contaminate the chamber or instrumentation. 
   3. Fragile objects (e.g., glass) and sharp-edged materials. 
   4. Large-mass, high-speed spinning objects.Proposed experiments involving prohibited or hazardous materials or activities that will compromise the safety and integrity of the FAC shall be disqualified.
7. If the proposed experiment requires a radiofrequency emitting device, specify the required frequency, power levels, bands and other relevant specifications of the RF-emitting device. Check the full specifications of the FAC for compatibility here – https://stamina4space.philsa.gov.ph/facility-fac/index.html
8. Generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude) may be used only as supplementary aids for improving clarity or formatting of the proposed experiment. Core scientific ideas, design, analysis, and conclusions must be the team’s original work. All AI use must be disclosed in the AI Declaration Form, signed by the Team Leader and teacher-coach.
9. The use of AI to generate experiment concepts and procedures, write substantial technical content, or fabricate data is strictly prohibited and is a ground for disqualification of the contest entry.
10. To submit an entry to the competition, teams must complete the FAC Experiment Challenge Submission form accessible at https://bit.ly/FACSubmissionForm along with the following supporting documents: 
    1. Certificate of Endorsement to be signed by School Head. For multi-school teams, each student shall obtain endorsement from the School Head of their respective school. 
    2. Certificate of Undertaking 
    3. AI-Assisted Declaration Form, if applicable 
    4. Copy of student’s school ID (front and back) 
    5. Copy of teacher-coach ID (front and back)
11. Entry submissions are accepted through any of the following channels: 
    1. Online — The team leader or representative completes the online form and upload documents through: https://bit.ly/FACExptChallenge 
    2. By email — The team leader or representative sends to sesd@philsa.gov.ph the complete submission package with subject “[School Name] – The Full Anechoic Chamber Experiment Challenge Submission.” 
    3. By courier —The team leader or representative sends the complete submission package to:
       Name: Neil Juvert Valentino
       Address: Philippine Space Agency, 29th Floor Cyber One Bldg., 11 Eastwood Ave., Bagumbayan, Quezon City
       Contact number: +639205614970
12. The deadline for submission is 27 September 2026, 11:59 PM. Only entries with complete documents will be evaluated. Late submissions are not accepted.
13. All submitted works remain the property of their respective owners but may be used by PhilSA in publications, websites, social media, educational materials, and other informational content exclusively for the promotion of space education. 

Judging Criteria: 

Prizes 

First place winners for each category shall receive the following: 

• All-expenses paid study tour at PhilSA where they will conduct their proposed experiment under scientific supervision. 

• Php 50,000.00 cash prize 

Please note that PhilSA will only cover travel expenses for the registered student members and teacher-coach of the winning team. Any accompanying parent, guardian, or school official shall shoulder their own travel and other related expenses. 

Important Dates 

Mission Briefing Series schedule 

After successful registration and enrollment, participants can access the learning platform of the Mission Briefing Series through https://learning.philsa.gov.ph  

For inquiries, please contact the Space Education and Scholarships Division through email sesd@philsa.gov.ph  

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirms the launch of the Long March 6A rocket from the People’s Republic of China. Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zone (DZ): approximately 83 NM away from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan, 88 NM away from Babuyan Island, and 104 NM away from Burgos, Ilocos Norte. This drop zone is within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). 

The Long March 6A rocket was launched from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Xinzhou, Shanxi Province at around 9:00AM PhST on 30 July 2026. 

Details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an “aerospace flight activity.” PhilSA disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the launch.

Estimated drop zones of the Long March 6A rocket launch on 30 July 2026

Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and fairing, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space. While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone. There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts. Additionally, the possibility of an uncontrolled re-entry to the atmosphere of the rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time. 

As global launch rates continue to accelerate, debris shed during staging events and the uncontrolled re-entry of large rocket upper stages pose growing hazards—not only to other spacecraft, but to civil aviation and to populations on the ground. The Philippines invites international partners to explore how our region can develop coordinated protocols and capabilities that protect both our space assets and our people on the ground. 

PhilSA reiterates its advice for the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted. PhilSA also cautions against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel. 

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirms the launch of the Long March 7A rocket from the People’s Republic of China. Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones (DZ): approximately 41 NM away from Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and 64 NM away from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan (DZ1); and 67 NM away from Santa Ana, Cagayan, and 80 NM away from Camiguin Norte (DZ2). Both drop zones are within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). 

The Long March 7A rocket was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan at around 7:50PM PhST on 29 July 2026.

Details of the rocket drop zone were disclosed through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of an “aerospace flight activity.” PhilSA disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the launch.

Estimated drop zones of the Long March 7A rocket launch on 29 July 2026

Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and fairing, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space. While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone. There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts. Additionally, the possibility of an uncontrolled re-entry to the atmosphere of the rocket’s upper stages returning from outer space cannot be ruled out at this time. 

As global launch rates continue to accelerate, debris shed during staging events and the uncontrolled re-entry of large rocket upper stages pose growing hazards—not only to other spacecraft, but to civil aviation and to populations on the ground. The Philippines invites international partners to explore how our region can develop coordinated protocols and capabilities that protect both our space assets and our people on the ground. 

PhilSA reiterates its advice for the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted. PhilSA also cautions against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials that may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel. 

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted the country’s upcoming sounding rocket launch during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27. The test launch in Cagayan in 2027 will help advance the Philippines’ launch capabilities, develop Filipino expertise in rocket technologies, and prepare for future space launch activities. 

“Cagayan is both geographically and economically primed to serve as our gateway to space and host the country’s first spaceport. A sounding rocket launch test is slated for next year,” said President Marcos. 

The sounding rocket test launch shall be a demonstration flight of a liquid-fueled rocket from the Philippines, carrying a locally developed payload weighing up to 2kg to an altitude of at least 5 km. It is implemented by the Philippine Space Agency, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), in partnership with Ascend International Gateway, Inc., a Philippine corporation engaged in airport operations and management, and Perigee Aerospace, Inc., a South Korean company involved in developing high-performance launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and spacecraft components. This builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year during the Philippines–Korea Business Forum held on 04 March 2026. 

“Yes, we are going to launch a rocket into space,” said President Marcos. This goal is enabled by the development of interim guidelines for rocket launches and activities that are set into motion by the launch in Cagayan in 2027 which are crucial steps towards the establishment and operation of a Philippine spaceport. 

“As global launch rates continue to accelerate, existing spaceports cannot serve this increasing demand. With the Pacific Ocean to its east and its proximity to the equator, the Philippines is well positioned for safe and secure rocket launch and recovery operations, helping reduce costs, improve launch efficiency, and create opportunities for future launch services,” said Director General Gay Jane Perez. PhilSA is pursuing a Public-Private Partnership for the Development of a Philippine Spaceport, for the long-term sustainability of commercial rocket launches in the Philippines.

According to Space Foundation’s Global Space Economy Report, the first half of 2026 saw a record high of 153 orbital space launches and is expected to finish with its own record (to top 2025’s 329 launches), tracking closer to one launch per day. The accelerated pace will be facilitated by new launch vehicles and two new spaceports in Norway and the United Kingdom, the first spaceports on European soil. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration expects a surge in 2026 in U.S. commercial launches with as many as 225, against 82 through June 30. The launch boom has seen spaceports booked years in advance, with the current spaceports unable to serve existing, and growing, commercial demand. 

“The Philippines possesses strong potential to become an important participant in the future global space economy,” said Ji Hye “Diana” Kwon, Country Director of Perigee Manila. “The establishment of Perigee Manila reflects our confidence in the country’s growing capabilities and our commitment to building long-term partnerships that create meaningful and sustainable outcomes for the Philippine space industry. Through technology transfer, talent development, and operational collaboration, we aim to contribute to the Philippines’ emergence as a regional space industry leader.” 

“Our vision is for the Philippines to have a spaceport that serves as a gateway for safe, responsible, and sustainable space access for the region and the world. It will be a commercial-driven, government-enabled spaceport, with predictable timelines for launch licensing and authorization,” said Perez. “Apart from location, launch companies also take into consideration the approval process: whether it is clear, whether the approvals arrive on a schedule they can plan around, and whether the country meets its international obligations. That reliability is where the Philippines intends to compete, and it marks a shift in the country’s role in the regional space economy, from a user of space services to one that helps provide them,” she added. 

“Space-based technologies are an essential foundation of modern ICT infrastructure. Sovereign launch capability will allow the Philippines to independently deploy communications satellites, Earth Observation systems, and navigation assets. This advances the country’s long-term vision of building a secure, resilient, and inclusive digital ecosystem, ensuring that the Philippines remains competitive in the digital age” said DICT Secretary Henry R. Aguda. 

“Through the development of the Philippines’ first commercial spaceport and our collaboration with global launch providers, we are building the infrastructure, partnerships, and operational capabilities necessary to position the country as a key participant in the future space economy,” said Ascend International Gateway President Ramon C. Garcia Jr. “The combination of CEZA’s enabling framework, the Philippines’ strategic location, and our ready-to-operate facilities creates a compelling platform for future launch activities, international aerospace partnerships, and commercial space investments across Asia.” 

“For CEZA, this is about far more than establishing a spaceport. It is about ensuring that the Philippines is not left behind in one of the world’s fastest-growing frontiers. It is about creating opportunities in aerospace, advanced engineering, scientific research, education, innovation, and high-value investments that will benefit future generations of Filipinos. It is especially meaningful that this opportunity will take root in our Province of Cagayan,” said CEZA Administrator and CEO Secretary Katrina Ponce Enrile. 

Under the Know-How Transfer and Training Program Phase 2, selected Filipino engineers will undergo advanced training and hands-on activities involving Perigee’s Blue Whale class sounding rocket platform. Beyond technology transfer, the program is designed to develop skilled Filipino aerospace professionals and strengthen the country’s growing pool of space talent and develop the country’s rocket engineering capability. The engagement with Perigee began under founding Director General Dr. Joel Marciano, Jr., through an MOU in October 2022, laying the groundwork for the company to explore the possibility of launching rockets in the Philippines alongside the vision for government, industry, and academe working together to leapfrog the country’s capabilities in space. 

The training program is part of PhilSA’s broader efforts to cultivate a strong domestic ecosystem by supporting research and capacity-building in higher education institutions. “We are encouraged by rocketry activities of universities across the country, which PhilSA intends to support. These activities demonstrate the increasing momentum and interest in space launch vehicles in the academe and help develop the skills needed for the Philippines to participate in the growing global space industry. They play an important part in building the country’s future space workforce,” said Perez. 

The partnership of PhilSA with Perigee Manila, Ascend International Gateway, CEZA and DICT supports a sustained effort to develop the Philippines’ capabilities in launch, testing, and aerospace innovation. The country’s strategic geography, growing technical workforce, supportive government policies, and emerging launch infrastructure create a strong foundation for the establishment of a Philippine spaceport and long-term contribution to the global space economy. 

PhilSA advances the Philippines’ launch capability during Phase 1 of the Know-How Transfer and Training Program on Small Launch Vehicles in partnership with Perigee Aerospace in Oct-Nov 2025.

About PhilSA 

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) is the central government agency of the Philippines that plans, develops, and promotes the national space program in line with the Philippine Space Policy. Created in August 2019 under Republic Act No. 11363, or the Philippine Space Act, PhilSA is an attached agency of the Office of the President of the Philippines for purposes of policy and program coordination and to ensure alignment in national policies and priorities.  

About the Department of Information and Communications Technology 

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is the primary policy, planning, coordinating, implementing, and administrative entity of the Executive Branch of the government that will plan, develop, and promote the national ICT development agenda. 

About the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority 

The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority is a government owned and controlled corporation created under Republic Act No. 7922. Under the RA 7922 CEZA is mandated to develop and operate the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport into a Self-Sustaining Industrial, Commercial, Financial, Investment and Tourism Center and Freeport with suitable retirement/residential areas, in order to create employment opportunities in and around the Zone, and to effectively encourage and attract legitimate and productive foreign investments therein. 

About Perigee Aerospace  

Perigee Aerospace is an end-to-end space mobility company, developing high-performance launch vehicles, propulsion systems and spacecraft components. Perigee provides sustainable access to Earth orbit and beyond; making space accessible, reliable, and efficient. Backed by expertise in liquid propulsion technologies, Perigee aims to open innovative pathways for the future of space transportation. 

About Ascend International Gateway 

Ascend International Gateway is a Philippine corporation engaged in the business of airport operations and management, and aviation industry economic zones and cluster development, that seeks to serve as a strategic link between aerospace and space industries through its global network of industry partners and the integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) products and services. 

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) invites startup founders, entrepreneurs, business owners, researchers, and innovators to join the Space Business Innovation Camp (SBIC) 2026—a free mentoring program designed to enable participants explore the potential of space data and use it with their existing datasets to optimize business strategies or develop new products/services. 

As part of Philippine Space Week 2026, PhilSA will officially launch the SBIC through a panel discussion “Building the Next Generation of Space-enabled Businesses” on 14 August 2026 (Friday), 10:00 AM–12:00 NN, via Microsoft Teams. Key leaders from industry, government, and the startup ecosystem will explore how space data is creating new business opportunities for Filipino innovators. 

Through an engaging panel discussion with experts from ARUP, Mayani, DOST-PCIEERD, and PhilSA, participants will gain valuable insights into: 

• How satellite data can be combined with existing datasets and digital technologies to drive innovation. 
• The potential of space data to address everyday challenges and create new business opportunities across industries. 
• Inspiring examples of ventures powered by space data. 
• Government programs and initiatives that help startups grow and scale up. 

Register now and be part of the official launch of the Space Business Innovation Camp (SBIC) 2026. Register here: https://bit.ly/4wDcPUh.

SBIC 2026 Mentoring Program 

As industries continue to evolve through artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), advanced analytics, and digital technologies, there is a growing opportunity to harness different sources of data with these new digital technologies to solve real-world challenges. Open access to Earth observation (EO), weather, environmental, and other space data can be integrated with other datasets to generate insights that support better decision-making and drive innovation across various applications. 

While space data is widely used in agriculture, disaster resilience, environmental management, and marine resources, its potential continues to expand across sectors such as energy, logistics, transportation, tourism, land development, and many others. SBIC 2026 aims to help participants identify these opportunities. 

Whether you’re building your first startup, developing the next breakthrough technology, or simply exploring space data, SBIC 2026 is your opportunity to learn from experts, connect with fellow innovators, and take the first step toward building a space-enabled businesses. 

More information about the mentoring program, eligibility requirements, and succeeding SBIC activities will be announced soon. 

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) invites Filipino students from elementary to graduate levels to join the 7th Kibo Robot Programming Challenge (Kibo-RPC)! 

Organized by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Kibo-RPC is an international challenge where teams of 3-8 students will code a program that will move Int-Ball2 to designated locations within the Japanese “Kibo” module aboard the International Space Station (ISS).   

Int-Ball2 is a free-flying camera drone by JAXA, designed to eliminate the need for crew members to capture routine video footage aboard the ISS and Kibo module. 

As a member of the Kibo-ABC, PhilSA leads the local call for proposals for the 7th Kibo-RPC in the Philippines.  

Create your team now and register through this link on or before 30 September 2026, 10:59PM PhST. 

The Challenge 

Each team must write a program for Int-Ball2, allowing it to navigate the Kibo module safely through a series of checkpoints, precisely adjusting its position and attitude to identify potential air leaks at structural joints, hatches, and experimental racks. 

Choose Your Track  

To make space programming accessible to everyone, this year’s competition features two separate tracks:  

• Beginner Track: Open for students under 16 years old (junior high school and below) who are completely new to coding. It features an easier difficulty level and focuses solely on simulator testing. The game rules for this course will be available in October. Winners of this track will NOT be eligible to participate in the ISS Final Round 

• Regular Track: Open to students from elementary school all the way to graduate school. This track features standard competition difficulty, pushing your programming and problem-solving boundaries. The team that wins this track’s preliminary round will participate in the ISS Final Round, as well as receive a 100,000 PHP monetary prize from PhilSA. 

Note: Teams meeting Beginner criteria may choose to participate in both tracks independently. Teams need to register for each track separately. 

Check out the links below for more information about the competition and on developing your Int-Ball2 programs: 

1. Guidebook 
2. Int-Ball2 simulator – GitHub-1 
3. Int-Ball2 simulator – GitHub-2 
4. ROS wiki tutorial 
5. JAXA Kibo-RPC website 

Access to the program simulator will be available to registered teams in October 2026. 

Eligibility requirements  

Team composition 

Each team must be composed of three (3) to eight (8) members only. They must be Filipino students enrolled in an educational institution in the Philippines. Elementary, high school, undergraduate, and graduate students are eligible. Filipino students enrolled in an institution abroad who like to represent the Philippines in the competition are also eligible to apply. 

Please note that applicants under 18 years old must first obtain parental/guardian consent. 

Team Leader  

Each team shall have a representative to manage the team as its leader. A student or guardian (or teacher) on the team may be the team leader and must be responsible for:  

1. Managing the team’s programming progress  
2. Submitting the application forms  
3. Submitting the programs  
4. Correspondence with the POC in your country/region and secretariat.  

During application, please review the Kibo-RPC Entry Agreement and Consent Confirmation in the online Application Form.  

Important Dates 

About the Kibo-ABC program  

The Kibo-ABC program or Asian Beneficial Collaboration through Kibo Utilization was established by the Space Frontier Working Group (SFWG) of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF) to promote the utilization and share the value of the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo,” enhance the capacity of participating organizations, and foster collaborative projects between Japan and Kibo-ABC member countries. 

Kibo-RPC is one of the activities of the Kibo-ABC program where students solve various problems through their programming skills to move the free-flying robots (Astrobee and Int-Ball2) in Kibo aboard the ISS.  

Through its Kibo-ABC member organizations, JAXA invites the youth to participate in the challenge.  

For questions and clarifications, please contact kiborpcphilippines@philsa.gov.ph 

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), representing the Philippines, participated in the Third Session of the United Nations (UN) Open-Ended Working Group on the Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space in All Its Aspects (OEWG PAROS), held last 06 to 10 July 2026, at the UN Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. 

During the session, the Philippines reaffirmed its commitments, views, and position on the international laws in outer space including the prohibition of the use of force in the UN Charter; the obligations of due regard under the Outer Space Treaty; the protection of space-based services to civilians and humanitarian operations; the operational and technological measures of self-restraints to states’ activities that may lead to the interference with space object operations; and the obligation to prevent the placement of weapons in outer space. 

The delegation also emphasized that providing reliable and timely notifications for aerospace flight activities are inherent obligations of States under the principle of due regard. These are necessary in improving transparency, accountability, and forming confidence-building measures (CBMs). 

PhilSA was represented by Space Policy and International Cooperation Bureau Director Atty. Noelle Riza Castillo and Space Security Technologies Division Chief Engr. Edgar Paolo Violan, while the DFA was represented by DFA Office of United Nations and International Organizations Director Jet Olfato and the Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva Second Secretary Christian Hope V. Reyes-San Jose. 

Established under the UN General Assembly Resolution 79/512, the OEWG PAROS serves as a key multilateral platform for advancing the norms, rules, and principles of responsible space behavior, and for coming up with recommendations for a legally binding instrument that promotes the peaceful, secure, and sustainable outer space. 

PhilSA and DFA paid a courtesy visit to Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva Ambassador Mr. Carlos Sorreta, and discussed the publication of PhilSA’s children’s activity book “Si Tala at ang Kanyang Lakbay Kalawakan!” into the six UN languages.