Philippines sets first liquid-fueled sounding rocket launch for 2027

• Photo courtesy of PhilSA

The Philippines is preparing to conduct its first liquid-fueled sounding rocket launch from local soil in 2027, marking an initial step toward developing the country’s rocket-launch capabilities and establishing a future commercial spaceport.

The planned demonstration flight in Cagayan was highlighted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 27.

“Cagayan is both geographically and economically primed to serve as our gateway to space and host the country’s first spaceport. A sounding rocket launch test is slated for next year,” Marcos said.

The Philippine Space Agency said the test will involve a liquid-fueled rocket carrying a locally developed payload weighing up to two kilograms. The rocket is expected to reach an altitude of at least five kilometers.

Unlike an orbital rocket designed to place satellites into orbit, a sounding rocket is typically used for scientific research, technology demonstrations, atmospheric measurements, and testing equipment during a relatively short flight.

The project will be implemented by PhilSA, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority.

They will work with Ascend International Gateway Inc., a Philippine company involved in airport operations and management, and Perigee Aerospace Inc., a South Korean company developing launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and spacecraft components.

The partnership builds on a memorandum of understanding signed during the Philippines-Korea Business Forum on March 4, 2026.

“Yes, we are going to launch a rocket into space,” Marcos said during his address.

PhilSA said the 2027 test will also support the development of interim rules covering rocket launches and related activities in the country. These guidelines are expected to help establish the regulatory and operational foundations for a Philippine spaceport.

PhilSA Director General Gay Jane Perez said the Philippines’ location gives it potential advantages for launch and recovery operations.

“As global launch rates continue to accelerate, existing spaceports cannot serve this increasing demand. With the Pacific Ocean to its east and its proximity to the equator, the Philippines is well positioned for safe and secure rocket launch and recovery operations, helping reduce costs, improve launch efficiency, and create opportunities for future launch services,” Perez said.

PhilSA is also pursuing a public-private partnership for the development of a Philippine spaceport intended to support commercial rocket launches over the long term.

Perez said the country must compete not only through its geographical location but also through a clear and dependable regulatory system.

“Our vision is for the Philippines to have a spaceport that serves as a gateway for safe, responsible, and sustainable space access for the region and the world. It will be a commercial-driven, government-enabled spaceport, with predictable timelines for launch licensing and authorization,” Perez said.

“Apart from location, launch companies also take into consideration the approval process: whether it is clear, whether the approvals arrive on a schedule they can plan around, and whether the country meets its international obligations. That reliability is where the Philippines intends to compete, and it marks a shift in the country’s role in the regional space economy, from a user of space services to one that helps provide them,” she added.

DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said developing a domestic launch capability could eventually support the deployment of communications, Earth observation, and navigation satellites.

“Space-based technologies are an essential foundation of modern ICT infrastructure. Sovereign launch capability will allow the Philippines to independently deploy communications satellites, Earth Observation systems, and navigation assets. This advances the country’s long-term vision of building a secure, resilient, and inclusive digital ecosystem, ensuring that the Philippines remains competitive in the digital age,” Aguda said.

The project also includes technology transfer and training for Filipino engineers.

Under the second phase of the Know-How Transfer and Training Program, selected engineers will participate in advanced training and hands-on activities involving Perigee’s Blue Whale-class sounding rocket platform.

The program seeks to develop Filipino aerospace professionals and strengthen the country’s technical capabilities in rocket engineering.

PhilSA’s engagement with Perigee began through a memorandum of understanding signed in October 2022 under former PhilSA director general Joel Marciano Jr. The agreement allowed the company to explore potential rocket-launch activities in the Philippines and opportunities for cooperation among the government, private sector, and academic institutions.

Perigee Manila Country Director Ji Hye “Diana” Kwon said the company intends to support the local industry through technology transfer, talent development, and operational cooperation.

“The Philippines possesses strong potential to become an important participant in the future global space economy,” Kwon said.

“The establishment of Perigee Manila reflects our confidence in the country’s growing capabilities and our commitment to building long-term partnerships that create meaningful and sustainable outcomes for the Philippine space industry. Through technology transfer, talent development, and operational collaboration, we aim to contribute to the Philippines’ emergence as a regional space industry leader,” she added.

PhilSA said it is also supporting rocketry research and capacity-building activities in Philippine colleges and universities to help develop the country’s future space workforce.

“We are encouraged by rocketry activities of universities across the country, which PhilSA intends to support. These activities demonstrate the increasing momentum and interest in space launch vehicles in the academe and help develop the skills needed for the Philippines to participate in the growing global space industry. They play an important part in building the country’s future space workforce,” Perez said.

Ascend International Gateway President Ramon Garcia Jr. said the planned spaceport would combine the country’s strategic location with existing facilities and partnerships with international launch providers.

CEZA Administrator and Chief Executive Officer Katrina Ponce Enrile said the project could create opportunities in aerospace, advanced engineering, scientific research, education, innovation, and high-value investments, particularly in Cagayan.

The partners said the 2027 test launch will serve as an early demonstration of the country’s ability to conduct launch, testing, and aerospace activities as the government develops the infrastructure, regulations, workforce, and partnerships needed for a future Philippine spaceport.