The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirms the launch of the Long March 12 rocket from the People’s Republic of China. Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zone approximately 23 NM away from Puerto Princesa and 21 NM away from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. The drop zone is within Philippine archipelagic waters.

The Long March 12 rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan, at around 7:00 AM PhST on 12 December 2025. 

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 zone of the Long March 12 Launch

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. 

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) named the top innovators of the Space Business Innovation Challenge (SBIC) during the Final Pitch and Awarding Ceremony on 08 November 2025 in Quezon City—marking a milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen the Philippine space industry through entrepreneurial innovation and space data-powered solutions.   

Launched during this year’s Philippine Space Week in August, SBIC invited Filipino students and professionals across the country to develop space-related business concepts and functional prototypes that harness satellite data and space technologies to address real-world, societal challenges in agriculture, agri-logistics, aquaculture, real estate, solar energy, and tourism, among other sectors. 

Finalists presented their concepts and solutions anchored on space-derived datasets and applications to a multi-sectoral panel of judges representing the technology, business, investment, government, and academic communities. 

Two categories of competing teams gave their final pitches. Student teams were allotted eight minutes to introduce their concepts, while professional teams presented their products and demonstrated functional prototypes within ten minutes. Each pitch was evaluated based on market potential, problem-solution fit, innovation, technical feasibility or viability, business model, impact and sustainability, and pitch quality.  

Each category has its own set of judges. 

Student Category: 

• Dr. Maria Victoria Espaldon, Professor, University of the Philippines (UP) Los Baños School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM); 

• Mr. Johnny Sy, Chief Data Officer, PHINMA Education Group, and Chief Project Director, Student Information System; and 

• Mr. Jake Go, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Partner, Springboard Philippines, and Professor, De La Salle University Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business. 

Professional Category: 

• Dr. Joel Joseph Marciano, Jr., Vice President for Research and Innovation, UP System and founding/former Director General, PhilSA; 

• Mr. John Echauz, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Insurance Support Services International, Nascent Technologies, CCCO2, and PHXsource; and 

• Mr. James Arnold Faeldon, Analytics Head, Ayala Corporation Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Unit, and Board Member, Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines (AAP). 

Over several months, participants refined their ideas through a four-week online mentoring program facilitated by experts from academia, industry, and government. 

SBIC mentors are: 

• Mr.Andrei Raymund Relente, Assistant Professor, UP Diliman Cesar E.A. Virata School of Business; 

• Ms. Mary Grace Gasco, Founder and CEO, SpaceCrop Technologies, Ltd.; 

• Mr. Jose Emmanuel Reverente, Deputy Director, UP System Technology Transfer and Business Development Office; 

• Dr. Mark Edwin Tupas, Associate Professor, UP Diliman Department of Geodetic Engineering 

• Ms. Diane Dugan-Eustaquio, Private Consultant and Startup Enabler; 

• Mr. Peter Immanuel Tenido, Project Director, De La Salle University Innovation and Technology Office (DITO); 

• Engr. Gia Santos, Founder, REKO; and 

• Ms. Nicole Paterno, Founder and CEO, Nansy Care Services, Inc. 

Celebrating Filipino innovation and industry potential 

Officially opening the ceremony, PhilSA Officer-in-Charge Gay Jane Perez, Ph.D. commended the finalists for advancing innovative space-data applications through their proposed solutions. 

“Each of your solutions represents not just innovation, but your deep understanding and appreciation of how space technologies can address real-world challenges, whether in agriculture, environmental monitoring, or community development. You have shown us that space is not faraway dream, but a platform for real solutions here at our home— Earth,” PhilSA OIC Perez, Ph.D. highlighted in her opening remarks. 

PhilSA OIC Perez, Ph.D. underscores SBIC’s purpose and role, emphasizing that it is more than just a pitching competition, but a launchpad and stepping stone into the wider ecosystem of space science, technology, and entrepreneurship in the Philippines.

Recognizing the Top Innovators 

Following deliberation, PhilSA announced the top 2 winners per category.

The awarding ceremony was led by PhilSA OIC Perez, Ph.D. and PhilSA Deputy Director General for Space Operations, Infrastructure, and Industry (DDGSOII) Denis Villorente, along with the following panel of judges across industry, academia, and government sectors. 

“Looking at the solutions you have proposed, I would like to commend you, of course, for recognizing the value of our Yamang Kalawakan to aid in providing solutions for real-world challenges in agriculture, waste reduction, biodiversity conservation, sustainable land development, and real estate,” PhilSA DDGSOII Villorente said in his opening remarks, emphasizing how the finalists demonstrated the practical value of satellite data across multiple sectors.

The ceremony then concluded with closing remarks from PhilSA Space Industry and Strategic Business Development Bureau (SISBDB) Director Rolando Martinez, who encouraged the participants to continue refining their ideas and advancing their solutions beyond the competition. “This is just the first step into your entrepreneurial journey,” PhilSA SISBDB Director Martinez said in his message. 

About SBIC 2025 

This nationwide business ideation and prototyping competition called on students, professionals, startups, entrepreneurs, and private sector actors in the country to build sustainable and impactful solutions using free satellite data like Earth observation, weather, and environmental information. 

These datasets hold great potential to address real-world challenges across sectors such as, but not limited to, agriculture, disaster resilience, energy, mining, supply chain and logistics, land-use and real estate planning, financial and risk management services, and tourism. 

Participants joined an online mentorship program and subsequently proposed their own space data-powered solutions in the final pitch competition. 

SBIC 2025 forms part of PhilSA’s continuing efforts to empower local talent and accelerate space-enabled industries, in alignment with its mandate and goal to broaden the country’s space value chain. 

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 approximately 120 NM away from El Nido, Palawan and 140 NM away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan; 48 NM away from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, 31 NM away from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan, and 40 NM away from Pangutaran Island, Sulu. 

The Long March 8A rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan, at around 3:52 PM PhST on 06 December 2025. 

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 Launch

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. 

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), in partnership with Central Mindanao University (CMU), its College of Engineering, and the Geomatics Center for Research and Extension in Mindanao (GeoMin), conducted the PINAS Workshop in Bukidnon from 24 to 25 November 2025 to expand the use of practical space data applications in the region. 

The two-day activity gathered representatives from regional government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and non-government organizations (NGOs). It also featured a student symposium on the first day. Participants took part in technical presentations on space data applications, discussions on the goals of the PINAS Project, and hands-on sessions on mapping and the use of the ODK app for on-ground data collection. 

CMU Vice President for Resource Generation and Management Dr. Ricardo G. Villar, speaking on behalf of University President Dr. Rolito G. Eballe, delivered the welcome remarks. In his message, Dr. Villar welcomed opportunities for collaboration with the Bukidnon stakeholders present at the PINAS Workshop. He emphasized the growing need to build the province’s capabilities in geospatial analysis and integrate space science and technology applications (SSTA) into planning and operations.  

This was followed by the presentation of PhilSA’s regional partner through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2023, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), on their ongoing efforts to drive regional growth and sustainability, delivered by Mr. Wilson Mabale, the Focal Person for Power of the MinDA Northern Mindanao Area Office. 

GeoMin Center Director Eric N. Bruno also presented CMU and the GeoMin Center’s space-related programs. He showcased significant outputs from years of research and extension work and their societal impacts, along with a continued invitation for workshop participants, particularly students, to collaborate on research, development, and environmental monitoring. 

PhilSA also equipped participants with a package of ready-to-use maps and data to help them apply space technology in local planning and operations. The package includes maps showing historical flood events, ground motion data, air quality information, and Sentinel-1 and 2 satellite imagery. These resources are meant to support land use planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) efforts in their communities. 

PhilSA likewise introduced the Data Allocation and Operational Information (DALOI) Project, which provides access to space data from satellite sources managed by the Agency. This initiative enhances the use of space-based information in local decision-making and operational workflows. 

During the participatory mapping and knowledge needs assessment session, participants identified key issues in their communities, including environmental management concerns, conservation priorities, and the need for sustained capacity-building programs. These insights will inform future activities under the PINAS Project to better support regional development.  

Launched in October 2022, PINAS is an active network of institutions and individuals working toward sustainability using space data. Workshops have been held in Iloilo City, Palawan, Ilocos Region, Aklan, Mindoro, Davao, Zamboanga,  Cebu,  Bataan, Bulacan, Antique, and Batangas.

Online meetings are also conducted with various regions to introduce the PINAS Project, laying the groundwork for future collaborations. Interested individuals and organizations may join the PINAS Network here. 

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: approximately 39 NM away from Burgos, llocos Norte, and 60 NM away from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan; and 69 NM away from Santa Ana, Cagayan, and 81 NM away from Camiguin Norte.

The Long March 7A rocket was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan, at around 8:20 PM PhST on 30 November 2025.

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

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. 

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 Nuri/Korea Space Launch Vehicle-IV (KSLV-IV) from the Republic of Korea. Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 390 NM away from Santa Ana, Cagayan, 394 NM away from Babuyan Island, 218 NM away from Siargao, Surigao del Norte, 228 NM away from the City of Mati, Davao Oriental, and 232 NM away from Mercedes, Samar.  

The KSLV-IV was launched from the Naro Space Center in Goheung, South Jeolia, at around 12:13 AM PhST on 27 November 2025.  

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 zone of the KSLV-IV Launch 

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. 

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 International Space Forum (ISF) is an international initiative launched in 2016 by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and the Italian Space Agency (ASI). Organized each year in collaboration with a local partner, the ISF engages different regions to promote greater community involvement in space activities and programs, to find better and local space solutions to global challenges.  

With the theme: “Fostering Regional Synergy in Space for Shared Challenges and Sustainable Development,” this year’s forum will be hosted in Metro Manila, Philippines on 04 December 2025 through the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), marking a significant moment for space development in the region. The discussions will center on three topics:  

• Looking Up Together: Developing Space Capabilities and Infrastructures 

• Looking Down Together: Mobilizing Space-enabled Services and Solutions 

• Looking Around: Enabling the Space Value Chain through Cooperation, Education, Policy, and R&D 

Learn more about the ISF:

https://www.iafastro.org/events/international-space-forum-at-ministerial-level-isf/international-space-forum-at-ministerial-level-2025.html  

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirms the launch of the Long March 3B rocket from the People’s Republic of China. Expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 102 NM away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan and 108 NM away from Quezon, Palawan. 

The Long March 3B rocket was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, at around 06:55 PM PhST on 21 November 2025. 

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 zone of the Long March 3B Launch

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. 

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. 

Philippine, Thai, and Indonesian partners are joining forces with the European Union (EU) and the European Space Agency (ESA) through SCOPE DIGITAL, a new initiative to strengthen the use of Copernicus Earth observation data in Southeast Asia. The program supports the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and builds on the CopPhil collaboration, which has expanded the practical use of Copernicus data in the Philippines. 

SCOPE DIGITAL builds on the success of the Copernicus programme in the Philippines, home to Southeast Asia’s first Earth observation (EO) data centre, established in 2024. 

Over the next three years, the programme will draw on both European and Southeast Asian expertise in space data, digital platforms, and capacity building. It will support joint pilot projects and demonstrations, training activities, and the development of digital infrastructures that promote data-driven policymaking and cross-border collaboration in the region. 

The initiative will help develop EO-based solutions for disaster resilience, natural resource management, and sustainable development in Southeast Asia. Its first phase will be implemented in Indonesia and Thailand, with technical support from the Philippines, which hosts the regional Copernicus data centre. 

SCOPE DIGITAL is implemented by the European Space Agency (ESA) in partnership with the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), the Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). 

As the regional anchor partner, PhilSA will provide technical leadership, data infrastructure, and operational best practices drawn from its national Copernicus experience. The Agency will also facilitate knowledge exchange, coordinate regional activities, and lead capacity-building efforts among ASEAN partners. 

SCOPE DIGITAL will be officially launched today, 17 November 2025, at the 31st Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-31) in Cebu, Philippines. The event will bring together space agencies, government representatives, and development partners to explore how EO and digital innovation can advance sustainability and resilience across Southeast Asia.

About the Partners 

European Union 

The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that promotes peace, shared values, and prosperity. The EU supports sustainable development, climate resilience, and digital transformation with partner countries, fostering cooperation that delivers lasting benefits for people and the planet. 

Global Gateway  

Global Gateway is the European Union’s strategy to build sustainable and trusted connections with partner countries. It mobilizes public and private investment, advances quality infrastructure and skills, and focuses on digital, climate and energy, transport, health, education, and research, guided by high environmental, social, and governance standards. 

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 (‘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.

DOST 

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for the direction, coordination, and funding of the country’s science, technology, and innovation (STI) initiatives. Created to support national development, DOST formulates policies and programs that advance scientific research, technological development, and innovation across multiple sectors. 

ESA 

The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space, dedicated to the peaceful exploration and use of space for the benefit of humankind. ESA develops satellite missions, supports international cooperation, and provides Earth observation data that aid global efforts in climate monitoring and sustainable development. 

BRIN 

The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) of Indonesia leads scientific and technological innovation across multiple sectors, integrating national research initiatives to advance sustainable development and regional cooperation. 

GISTDA 

As Thailand’s space agency, the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) advancing the development of space infrastructure, manpower, technology, law and policy. Its core mandate is to deliver the entire value chain from space to the people, collaborating with all sectors around the world to achieve national and regional security, prosperity, and sustainability. 

The 31st Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-31) will be held in the Philippines from 18 to 21 November 2025 in Cebu, bringing together leading experts, policymakers, and stakeholders in the field of space science and technology to drive space-enabled solutions, and stronger regional cooperation.

Organized by the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the event is recognized as the largest space-related conference that seeks to strengthen space capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region.

With over 30-years of history, the APRSAF has served as a vital platform for governments, space agencies, international organizations, academia, and industry to share knowledge, establish regional partnerships, and pursue joint space activities that deliver benefits to communities across the region.

This year’s theme, “Empowering the Region through Space Ecosystems in Action,” reflects the shared goals of the Asia-Pacific community to harness space capabilities in addressing pressing global challenges such as disaster preparedness and climate change, while also driving economic growth, innovation, and scientific advancement.

Dr. Gay Jane P. Perez, Officer-in-Charge of PhilSA, affirmed the importance of regional cooperation and shared growth, highlighting the country’s active role of hosting regional space forums. “PhilSA’s hosting of APRSAF-31 will showcase the Philippines evolving space ecosystem – our Yamang Kalawakan – recognizing the country’s leadership role in the Asia-Pacific region. We also look forward to deepening our cooperation with regional space actors as we continue to advance our capabilities in space science and technology and boost the growth of our domestic space industry,” she said.

The forum will feature plenary sessions where space agencies across the region will discuss priorities on capability enhancement, space exploration, industry growth, education, policy development, and applications of space technology for societal benefit.

APRSAF-31 will convene its five (5) working groups, where participating countries will exchange experiences and projects that demonstrate how space science is utilized in development. These working groups will focus on Satellite Applications, Enhancement of Space Capability, Space Education, Space Frontier, Space Policy and Law, highlighting the diverse and collaborative efforts driving space development across the Asia-Pacific region.

Complementing the discussions, simultaneous activities include an exhibit where space technologies will be explored; the Space Industry Connect, which serves as a platform for partnership between the private and public sectors; and the voting for the APRSAF-31 Poster Making Contest, featuring creative perspectives from youth across the region.

Side events will also be conducted: Southeast Asian Leaders’ Forum hosted by PhilSA; 11th Asia-Pacific Space Generation Workshop of the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC); ‘Earth Observation partnerships in action: Europe and Southeast Asia expand geospatial services together’ spearheaded by the Digital for Development (D4D) Hub, together with other organizing units; and the ‘Seven years of NovaSAR-1 S-band radar imaging services – Applications, use cases, and lessons learned’ of the Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd.

The Philippines will showcase its local space capabilities through technical and educational tours in Cebu.

The Philippines first hosted the APRSAF in 2016.

Learn more about APRSAF-31 here: https://www.aprsaf.org/annual_meetings/aprsaf31/meeting_details.php