‘Space’s the limit’ for PHL’S nanosatellite developer
THE Philippines can expect more great things from Engr. Marloun Pelayo Sejera, who played a major part in the development and deployment of the country’s nanosatellite Maya-2.
The Maya-2 cube satellite (Cubesat) was launched into space just last month, but the Mapúa University Electronics and Communications Engineering alumnus was deeply involved in building two other nanosatellites prior.
Maya-2 is the country’s second nanosatellite activated from the International Space Station (ISS) in February 2021 under the fourth Joint Global Multi-nation Birds Satellite (BIRDS-4) project. Sejera is one of three Filipino minds behind its creation; the other two are Izrael Zenar Casople Bautista and Mark Angelo Cabrera Purio.
The nanosatellite was successfully deployed into orbit from the ISS on March 14. Its main mission is to store and forward data from space. The satellite to captures data transmitted from ground sensors, and sends them to ground stations for data analysis.
Sejera beamed with pride as he watched the Cygnus-15 spacecraft’s launch on February 21, which carried the Philippine satellite: “It was a relief when Cygnus-15 successfully docked the ISS.”
Specifically, Sejera was in-charge of building the communications subsystem for the nanosatellite, as well as its Automatic Packet Reporting System—a radio-based system that encodes real-time digital information transmission. The subsystem makes sure the nanosatellite has a reliable communication transmittal with ground stations, ensuring continuous satellite missions.
University training
SEJER A shared that his learning experience and academic life in Mapúa University equipped him with necessary training and developmental skills in building Maya-2.
“Mapúa has been very supportive and involved from the beginning of my career in nanosatellite development. They opened the opportunity for me: from teaching, being one of the Philippine delegates in the Small Satellite Mission workshop in India, and now, my involvement in the BIRDS-4 Project,” Sejera said.
In November 2017, Sejera was invited as a Philippine delegate to attend a short course held in Dehradun, India. This was funded by the Department of Science and Technology and the Asean. The workshop further piqued the interest of Sejera in satellite development and gave him a clearer point of view of what he wanted to pursue with regard to his graduate studies. He was then able to join the BIRDS-4 Project in 2018, with Mapúa serving as his stepping stone.
In early 2018, the university was informed about the capacitybuilding initiative of the Philippine Scientific Earth Observation Microsatellite Program, where three Filipinos were chosen to be sent to Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) in Fukuoka, Japan.
Sejera felt the opportunity came at the right time, so he applied immediately for the program and underwent a careful selection process. He shared he was fortunate enough, and at the same time truly honored, of his selection as one of the delegates to represent the country.
The program gave the participants the opportunity to study Space Engineering and build the Philippines’s second Cubesat through the BIRDS-4 project, which is now known as the Maya-2.
“The support that I got from Mapúa is very essential in pursuing my doctorate at Kyutech,” he added.
“Having been involved in the project, Mapúa will be able to participate in the dissemination of space, science and technology, and satellite development in the country.”
‘BIRDS’ in space
IT was the Philippines’s second time to join Kyutech’s BIRDS project—an interdisciplinary satellite project for nonspace-faring countries. The country first joined in the BIRDS-2 project that developed and deployed Maya-1 in 2018.
For two years, participants learned to design, develop, and operate 1U Cubesats. The knowledge and experience the participants gained in the project could, in turn, be passed on when they return to their respective countries.
The BIRDS-4 project kicked-off in November 2018. The team is composed of 14 students from various countries: three from the Philippines; two from Paraguay; four from Japan; and one each from Nepal, Turkey, Sudan, France and Egypt.
Sejera pointed out that under the program, he and other participants were able to deliver a number of satellites to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency in October 2020.
“Despite cultural differences and work habits, the team was able to work harmoniously toward a common goal,” Sejera explained. “We can surely expect more brilliant minds to crop up in the coming years, as the Filipino spirit remains persevering, resilient, passionate and driven. These traits and attitudes will surely help Filipinos excel further and leave their marks in society.”
He concluded: “Think outside the box and expand your horizons. As the great Albert Einstein said: We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”