Philippine Space Agency advances rocket expertise via South Korean training

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) is advancing the nation’s space capabilities through the ‘SIKLAB: Building Industrial Space Launch Systems Project’. A ten-member team of Filipino specialists is currently undergoing intensive hands-on training in South Korea from August to October 2026. This training focuses on the development, assembly, testing, and systems integration of liquid-fueled rockets.

The program is a collaboration with South Korean space mobility firm Perigee Aerospace, Inc., building on a partnership established in 2022. The technical expertise gained will support a planned liquid-fueled rocket launch in Lal-lo, Cagayan, scheduled for 2027. This initiative was first announced by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. during his fifth State of the Nation Address.

Developing domestic launch capabilities is intended to provide the Philippines with greater independence in deploying satellites. These technologies are viewed as essential enablers for critical sectors, including telecommunications, agriculture, security, weather tracking, and disaster response.