The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) continues to empower future space scientists, engineers, and communicators through the pilot run of Code, Build, Launch: CanSat 101, a Can Satellite Development Bootcamp for high school students.
Held from 26 to 30 January 2026, the bootcamp was conducted in partnership with Adamson University (AdU) through its Space Technology and Applications Research Laboratory (STARLab). The program equipped students with foundational knowledge in satellite development by guiding them through the end-to-end process of designing, building, programming, and testing a Can Satellite (CanSat)—a simulated satellite approximately the size of a soda can.
Dr. Gay Jane P. Perez, Ad Interim Director General of PhilSA, sends an inspiring message for the participants of the CanSat 101.
PhilSA Ad Interim Director General Gay Jane P. Perez, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of early, hands-on exposure to space science and technology through strong collaboration between government and academic institutions in her video message.
“[CanSat 101] reflects a shared commitment to helping young Filipinos explore, learn, and discover what is possible in science and technology. Through initiatives like this bootcamp, PhilSA works with schools and partners to give students early, hands-on exposure to real space concepts, turning curiosity into skills and ideas into actions,” Dr. Perez stated.
Dr. Rosula S.J. Reyes, AdU Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivers the welcome remarks.
Dr. Rosula S.J. Reyes, AdU Vice President for Academic Affairs, highlighted the role of the bootcamp in fostering scientific curiosity and preparing students for real-world challenges.
“This program represents more than the training activity. It is a meaningful investment in the future, one that nurtures curiosity, creativity on scientific thinking among our young learners. Through this initiative, students are not only introduced to the fundamentals of space science and satellite technology, but also to the values of collaboration, problem solving and innovation that define real-world scientific work,” Dr. Reyes said.
Experiential learning in Can Sat development
During the bootcamp, student teams from selected schools in National Capital Region (NCR), Regions III, IV-A, VI, and XI were tasked to conceptualize their satellite mission, design, and prototype their own CanSat including its payload. The teams also developed software codes to support data acquisition and sensor operation.
The five-day bootcamp culminated in the testing and launch of the CanSats, followed by data analysis and team presentations. Students evaluated their mission results using collected telemetry and sensor data, demonstrating their understanding of satellite development from concept to post-mission assessment.
Integrating theory, practice, and expert mentorship
Complementing the hands-on activities were structured lectures and mentoring sessions led by Dr. Mark Angelo C. Purio, Head of the AdU Space Technology and Applications Research Laboratory (STARLab). These sessions provided participants with a strong theoretical foundation in space science and satellite development, enabling them to contextualize their hands-on activities within real-world mission scenarios and systems-level thinking.
He also shared his practical expertise in satellite systems development, drawing from his experience as lead for the Camera Mission (CAM) of the BIRDS-4 Satellite Project, as well as his role as one of the engineers behind Maya-2, the Philippines’ 1U CubeSat launched to the International Space Station on 21 February 2021.
PhilSA satellite engineers also shared their experiences and insights during the bootcamp, including Engr. Renzo Wee, Project Lead for the Maya-3 and Maya-4 CubeSats; Engr. Edgar Paolo Violan, who was involved in the development of the Diwata-2 microsatellite and the upcoming Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment (MULA) satellite; and Engr. Jeric Brioso, Amateur Radio Unit Receiver engineer for Diwata-2. Their collective expertise provided participants with deeper appreciation of the critical role Filipino engineers play in advancing the country’s space program, serving as inspiration for students to pursue careers in space science and technology.
Through interactive discussions, guided problem-solving, and one-on-one mentoring, participants deepened their understanding of mission design, systems engineering principles, and data interpretation. Each mentor provided technical guidance throughout the development process, supporting teams in refining their CanSat designs, addressing system-level challenges, and optimizing software and sensor integration.
PhilSA Space Science Missions Bureau Director Reinabelle Reyes, Ph.D. (seated, center left) and AdU College of Engineering Dean Engr. Antonio P. Doroliat, Ph.D. (seated, center right) in a photo opportunity with the facilitators and participants of CanSat 101.
Through sustained partnerships with academic institutions, PhilSA continues to advance space science education in the country by fostering early interest in satellite development and providing students with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.
Building on the success of its pilot run, PhilSA is working towards institutionalizing the CanSat bootcamp as a yearly program, with plans to invite more participating teams from schools nationwide. By expanding the program’s reach nationwide, PhilSA aims to strengthen the pipeline of future Filipino space scientists, engineers, and innovators.