The first Filipino satellite, Agila-2, was delivered into orbit 26 years ago and is said to be the most powerful telecommunications satellite in the Asia-Pacific region.
The first Filipino satellite, Agila 2. (Photo: ABS’ Satellite)
Agila-2, First Filipino Satellite
The first Filipino satellite to launch into orbit was Agila-2. Agila-2 was named after the Philippine Eagle.
According to Gunter’s Space, Agila-2 is the most powerful telecommunications satellite that is in service in the Asia-Pacific region. This Filipino satellite delivers broadcast television, telephone, and data services to areas in Southeast Asia.
The same publisher stated that a single Agila-2 satellite transmits over 190 channels of high-fidelity digital programming to cable companies. Agila-2 is said to feature the enormous number of active transponders of any satellite in the region.
Agila-2 Turns 26 Years on Orbit
SPACE reports Agila-2 was delivered into orbit on August 19, 1997 – exactly 26 years today. Agila-2 was the first ever satellite by Filipinos as the only communications before Agila-2 was launched were the ones that had been purchased from Indonesia.
Agila-2 was sent to orbit by Mabuhay Philippine Satellite Corporation using a Chinese Long March 3B rocket. However, Agila-2 was sold to the Asia Broadcast Satellite Company and is now known as ABS-3.
To this day, Agila-2 still provides the most powerful satellite coverage in Asia and the Pacific.
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