By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios
In its desire to draw the interest of the Filipino people to space technology and bring it closer, the Department of Science and Technology-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) was launched last August 25.
The ASTI VRS app is a free and user-friendly application featuring a comprehensive computer-generated simulation of the country’s three Ground Receiving Stations (GRSs) and the Filipino-made satellites.
Since its establishment in 2016, the Philippine Earth Data Resource and Observation (PEDRO) Center became the hub of our Ground Receiving Stations, consequently managing the reception, processing and distribution of satellite images and other space-borne data to the public. Aside from that, the PEDRO Center also played host to the finer space infrastructure of the country, attracting experts and novices alike to a tour of the facilities.
The said application isavailable in Google Playstore free of charge and features a comprehensive computer-generated simulation of the ASTI-GRS in Metro Manila, the Davao GRS in Davao City and the Iloilo GRS in Iloilo that users can explore. It also includes a satellite showcase where users can learn about the Filipino-made Diwata and Maya satellites as well as the different commercial satellites the PEDRO Center subscribes to.
For his part, DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña gave credit to the team effort within the agency on the birth of ASTI VRS app.
“It is our creative effort to bring space closer to the Filipino people. It features an interactive tour where you can explore the country’s three Ground Receiving Stations as well as our very own Filipino-made satellites, all in one free, and user-friendly mobile app as a result of joint efforts of our hardworking researchers and developers.”
Despite the challenges and hindrances, we are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic, our enthusiasm for the pursuit of knowledge, especially for the youth, should remain fierce and ambitious. The ASTI VRS App aims to further raise the public awareness of these existing space technology and infrastructure through the more democratizing digital space, giving chance for everyone to take a step closer to space.
De la Peña is hopeful that the advent of ASTI VRS will create public awareness and inspire young Filipino to develop interest and grow an appreciation for space science research.
Interested in how amazing ASTI VRS is? You can download using this link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.DOSTASTI.ASTIVRS
