A University of the Philippines professor became the first recipient of a Tokyo-funded scholarship program to study space technology with Japan’s top institutions.

Charleston Dale Ambatali from the UP Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute, was selected to join the Human Resource Development for Space Technology Utilization under the Knowledge Co-Creation Program of Japan International Cooperation Agency.

“Covid19 has disrupted all major economies. Supporting human resource development in space technology utilization will enhance knowledge-sharing when it comes to finding answers to our common development problems,” said JICA Philippines Senior Representative Ohshima Ayumu.

“We’ve seen how the Philippines’ first microsatellite added value to extreme weather monitoring approaches. By sending young Filipinos to learn from Japan’s experience in space technology innovation, then we can enhance disaster management, environment protection, and other development areas that matter to our countries,” he added.

While in Japan, Ambatali will complete a doctorate degree in aeronautics and astronautics at the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Engineering. He will also study space technology with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and JICA.

“Through the scholarship, I look forward to enhancing my research capability in space development and lead projects to promote a better quality of life for many Filipinos,” Ambatali said.

“Since most marginalized communities live in rough, underdeveloped terrains, I aim to design radars on unmanned aerial vehicles to survey these communities and address their problems,” he added.

UPEEI currently hosts the Stamina4 Space Program, the successor to the Philippine microsatellite program, which focuses on developing human resources for nanosatellite development.

Ambatali helped develop elective courses on satellite systems and was also previously assigned to work in the Philippine microsatellite program.

“When I return to the Philippines, I also envision myself to be mentoring young students on satellite development, and contributing to the growth of the space program in my country,” he added.