A celebration of the beauty of the universe and the brave Filipino explorers of the galaxy.
This year, the Philippine Space Week will be celebrated from August 8 to 14, 2024 by the Philippine Space Agency as part of the advocacy to promote the importance of space science and technology. The theme for the celebration is “#𝐘𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐚 𝐀𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐬.”
So, in line with the Philippine Space Week, let’s get to know these aspiring Filipino astronauts who has undergone their mission trainings and were chosen for the future space voyages:
Chino Roque
Daniel Angelo Roque or “Chino Roque” became one of the 23 space cadets chosen, amongst 28,000 applicants, to fly to space with XCOR Lynx through the Axe Apollo Space Academy back in 2013. He was the only Filipino qualified in the candidate selection to become a “Commercial Astronaut.” Buzz Aldrin was also one of the selection committee chairman for the program.
Kristine Atienza
Known as the “First Filipino Analog Astronaut”, Kristine Atienza is an expert in both astronomy and nutrition science, which she proudly displayed in their week-long mission as the nutrition specialist and medical officer of her crew. She is a member of the UP Astronomical Society and believes that astronomy is the greatest way to begin getting into science due to its visualities and how it can open the mind to the wonders of the universe.
Dr. Marvic Jon Alcantara
A part-time professor and a medical officer, Dr. Marvic Jon Alcantara was able to complete his space simulation expedition at the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS). He then became the “Second Filipino Analog Astronaut” and has the aim of identifying or exploring the lunar environment to ensure the safety of his crew, making sure that the entire mission is feasible with little to no challenges ahead.
These kababayans are proving that space exploration is possible and can be achieved amidst all the challenges.
So, Sugboanons, as we celebrate the Philippine Space Week, let us all remember that our universe is vast and that we can dream even greater, beyond the stars, beyond our galaxies!
