MATA-Cloud: A Cloud Detection and Dynamic Attitude Correction Evaluation Software

With the increasing demand for high-resolution images from earth observation satellites, there is a need to optimize the usability of the images being downloaded in the ground stations. Most captured satellite images are not usable for certain applications due to high cloud cover percentage. To address this problem, this research demonstrates a cloud detection and dynamic attitude correction evaluation software. This software explores two key experiments. First is evaluating different image processing and machine learning-based approaches to detect cloud cover. The cloud detection algorithms were evaluated based on their accuracy, latency, and memory consumption. The second is exploring dynamic attitude correction to minimize the effect of cloud cover on captured images. Results show that our software can help test algorithms that increase the usability of captured images

Growing the Local Space Workforce Through Synergistic Collaborations of the Philippine Space Agency, Universities, and Private Industry

For decades, space technology and applications development have been in the forefront of human advancement. To maximize the gains from these achievements, numerous countries have established space agencies to manage the growing space economy. However, for emerging space countries, the establishment of a space agency and a complementary space ecosystem proves to be a more complex and challenging task. In this paper, we present a review of lessons learned in building up the local upstream space workforce in the Philippines through various projects spearheaded by the government, mostly through the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA). For the projects in collaboration with universities, this paper discusses the importance of providing training programs, scholarship opportunities, research and development activities, and promotion of current Space Science and Technology capabilities to create a young pool of knowledgeable personnel. On the other hand, collaborations with the local industry provide a support to ongoing satellite development activities in PhilSA. Established companies specializing in space-adjacent activities such as those in the manufacturing, electronics, and software development have immense potential in transitioning to actual space development activities. The paper highlights the lessons learned from PhilSA\u27s ongoing collaborations with these companies, and how such engagements translate to a more skilled space workforce. This paper summarizes the challenges faced, milestones achieved, and how the lessons learned are applied to the current activities in PhilSA and form strategic plans. These lessons learned can be helpful to other emerging space nations looking to ramp up capacity building and establish a thriving space ecosystem

ESEP: An Experimental Onboard Computing System for Localized Capacity Building and Future Philippine Microsatellites

The Experimental Science & Engineering Payload (ESEP) platform is a bus and payload system designed to host and perform the functions of the primary components of a satellite bus system. This engineering platform is intended to act as an experimental redundant bus & payload system to the primary Diwata-2 system. This will allow testing of experimental bus and payload modules which will then be the base platform for future satellite developments in the Philippines for small satellites. The bus segment consists of the satellite command & data handling, satellite attitude control & management, and the communications subsystem. Consequently, the mission segment performs both scientific mission instrument control and data management. The platform follows the FLOWN Fly Old with New concept, designed to conform with the existing Diwata-2 modules and act as a redundant bus system for the planned Diwata-3 satellite. After establishing heritage, the flexibility of ESEP allows it to be integrated with future small satellite architectures, addressing the constantly evolving developments in satellite technology