{
  "id": 1946849,
  "title": "On this day in space! Aug. 19, 1997: 1st Filipino satellite launches into orbit",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/on-this-day-in-space-aug-19-1997-1st-filipino-satellite-launches-into",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-19T14:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Space.com",
    "slug": "space-com",
    "url": "https://www.space.com/space-exploration/on-this-day-in-space-aug-19-1997-1st-filipino-satellite-launches-into-orbit"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On August 19, 1997, the Philippines made history by launching its first satellite into space. Prior to this momentous event, the country relied on a communications satellite purchased from Indonesia, already in orbit. On this day, the Mabuhay Philippines Satellite Corporation utilized a Chinese Long March 3B rocket to send its own satellite into orbit, naming it Agila-2 in tribute to the majestic Philippine eagle. Today, Agila-2 remains the most powerful satellite coverage in Asia and the Pacific, although its ownership has changed hands: in 2009, the Philippines sold it to Asia Broadcast Satellite company.\n\nInternational collaboration is a crucial component of progress in space. Astronauts from around the globe join forces on the International Space Station (ISS) to ensure safety and foster scientific advancement. In recent years, more nations have joined the space race, with over 70 countries signing the Artemis Accords, a U.S.-backed set of guidelines for responsible space exploration.\n\nThe Agila-2 launch marked a significant milestone for Filipino progress in the space sector. Nearly two decades later, the country launched the microsatellite Diwata-1 to the ISS on April 27, 2016. This momentum continued with the formalization of the Philippine Space Agency in 2019, leading to the development and launch of two more satellites, Diwata-2 and Maya-1, in collaboration with NASA and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency).",
  "summary": "On Aug. 19, 1997, the Philippines launched its own satellite for the first time.",
  "key_points": [
    "Philippines launched first satellite, Agila-2, on Aug. 19, 1997",
    "Agila-2 named after Philippine eagle, remains Asia's most powerful",
    "Philippines sold Agila-2 in 2009 to Asia Broadcast Satellite company"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}