| Photo by Matthijs van Heerikhuize on Unsplash
NEW YORK—Delegates from the United States and the Philippines recently met for their inaugural Bilateral Space Dialogue in Washington, D.C. This event, established in the May 2023 Joint Leaders’ Statement, signifies a growing recognition of the importance of space exploration and its potential benefits for both nations.
The Joint Statement between the U.S. and the Philippines said the dialogue aims to strengthen cooperation and advance bilateral exchanges in civil space matters, including using space-based Earth observation satellite data for maritime domain awareness and space situational awareness.
In their welcome and keynote messages, Jennifer R. Littlejohn, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs; Chirag Parikh, Executive Secretary of the National Space Council; and Joel Joseph Marciano Jr., Director General of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and Head of the Philippine Mission to the United States on Space Science and Technology Applications, expressed their confidence that the inaugural Space Dialogue will deepen space cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.
The U.S. delegation to the Space Dialogue was led by Rahima Kandahari, Deputy Assistant Secretary, State Department Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, and the Philippine delegation by Gay Jane Perez, Deputy Director General for Space Science and Technology of PhilSA.
The critical areas of focus and potential outcomes of this historic event include:
Maritime Domain Awareness: A Driving Force
A prominent theme of the dialogue was maritime domain awareness (MDA). The Philippines, an archipelago nation, faces challenges monitoring its vast exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Space-based technologies, particularly Earth observation satellites, offer a robust solution. These satellites provide high-resolution images for activities such as tracking illegal fishing, monitoring environmental changes, and improving disaster preparedness.
The dialogue highlighted potential collaboration utilizing the U.S. Department of Transportation’s SeaVision program. SeaVision aids nations with monitoring their territorial waters. Additionally, the possibility of hosting a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Landsat ground station in the Philippines gained traction. Landsat satellites collect valuable data on land use and change detection, which is crucial for the Philippines in managing its resources and infrastructure.
Beyond Borders: Collaboration in Education and Research
The dialogue wasn’t solely focused on resource monitoring. Both nations recognized the importance of fostering a skilled workforce in the space sector. The Philippines expressed interest in expanding the joint USAID-NASA SERVIR program, which provides training and data access for environmental monitoring applications. New scholarship programs like the Fulbright-PhilSA space science scholarships and the AD ASTRA program were also discussed. These initiatives will create pathways for Filipino students to gain expertise in space science and related fields.
Space Situational Awareness and the Artemis Accords
The dialogue delved into the growing concern of space debris. The increasing number of satellites and spacecraft orbiting Earth poses a collision risk. Both nations agreed to address this issue through responsible space practices. The U.S. is shifting responsibilities for civil and commercial space situational awareness (SSA) from the Department of Defense to the Department of Commerce. This shift necessitates close communication to ensure a smooth transition and effective collaboration in monitoring the space environment.
Furthermore, the Philippines expressed interest in potentially signing the Artemis Accords. Established by the United States, these accords outline principles for safe and peaceful exploration of the Moon and beyond. Signing these accords would demonstrate the Philippines’ commitment to international cooperation in space exploration and its alignment with responsible spacefaring practices.
Benefits and Challenges: A Look Forward
The U.S.-Philippines Space Dialogue has the potential to yield significant benefits for both nations. The Philippines gains valuable technological expertise, improved resource management capabilities, and enhanced disaster preparedness through space-based solutions. The U.S. can strengthen its strategic partnership with the Philippines, contribute to regional stability, and create a potential market for its space industry.
However, challenges remain. The Philippines faces limitations in its space infrastructure and budget. Continued investment and international collaboration are crucial for its space program to reach its full potential. Additionally, balancing security concerns with space’s open and peaceful use will be an ongoing discussion.
A New Era of Partnership
The U.S.-Philippines Space Dialogue marks a new era of cooperation between the two nations. By focusing on areas of mutual interest like maritime domain awareness, education, and space debris mitigation, this event paves the way for a mutually beneficial partnership. The potential for joint research, technology transfer, and participation in international space exploration initiatives is vast. As both nations look towards the future, the inaugural Space Dialogue is a strong foundation for a collaborative and prosperous journey into the cosmos.
