The Society

The Philippine Society of Space and Astronomy Research Incorporated (PSSAR, Inc.) was created in response to a simple but persistent challenge: Filipino students and professionals in space and astronomy consistently excel on the global stage, yet often struggle with limited resources. While organizing PSSARC in 2025, it became clear that both the event—and the growing community behind it—needed a formal home that could offer long-term support. This organization was built to provide that foundation: to help open doors, sustain research, and ensure that Filipino talent is fully equipped to thrive internationally.

Our Vision

A future where the Philippines is recognized as a regional leader in space and astronomical research, fostering a generation of scientists, educators, and innovators who advance human understanding of the universe and use space science for the betterment of society.

Our Mission

Advancing Research:
Promoting rigorous scientific inquiry in space science, astronomy, planetary studies, aerospace, and related fields.

Empowering Education:
Providing mentorship, capacity-building, fellowships, and career development opportunities.

Expanding Outreach:
Supporting community initiatives, sponsorships, and grants to make space science accessible and inclusive.

The Conference

The Philippine Space Science and Astronomy Research Conference (PSSARC) is the country’s premier national platform dedicated to space science and astronomy.

Built as an inclusive space for researchers, educators, and enthusiasts, it provides a dedicated stage to share groundbreaking work, spark new insights, and drive meaningful dialogue. This collective effort works to strengthen the ground beneath our local scientific community, turning discoveries into real-world national progress and capacity-building.

To ensure this progress reaches every corner of the nation, the conference rotates annually across the major island groups of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This nationwide movement goes beyond serving as a rigorous scientific forum. By breaking down geographic barriers, PSSARC actively cultivates curiosity among the youth while positioning the Philippines as a rising leader in regional space and astronomical research.

Our History & Foundations

That reality changed in 2025. The inaugural PSSARC brought together 161 participants across two days at Adamson University. A diverse lineup of local and international speakers shared their work and their experiences with a community that had long been waiting for exactly this kind of space.

While organizing this debut event, it became clear the conference and the community behind it needed a permanent, formal home to offer long-term support. To sustain this momentum, the Philippine Society of Space and Astronomical Research (PSSAR) was officially established. Today, PSSAR acts as the formal foundation empowering our growing ecosystem through research conferences, ideathon, and inclusive community outreach.

The Present & Beyond

Today, PSSARC continues to evolve as a comprehensive multi-day program. By continuously bridging the gap between local talent and global research, each annual cycle moves the country closer to becoming a recognized regional hub for space innovation.

Our Core Themes

To reflect the highly interdisciplinary nature of the field, the conference’s continuous scientific program centers around four core areas:

  • Space Sciences: Exploring aerospace engineering, planetary studies, and the technology driving atmospheric and deep-space exploration.
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics: Advancing rigorous scientific inquiry into the physical properties and celestial mechanics of the universe.
  • Space Science and Astronomy for Development: Utilizing space technology, data streams, and satellite capabilities to protect, connect, and advance local communities on Earth.
  • Space Science and Astronomy for Outreach and Education: Empowering educators, creating mentorship opportunities, and ensuring space literacy is accessible and inclusive for all Filipinos.

Why This Work Matters

The relevance of this work goes beyond the program. Space science shapes how we monitor our environment, connect our communities, and position the Philippines in a field that is becoming increasingly central to global progress. For years, Filipino talent in this area lacked the institutional support to fully realize that potential. PSSARC exists to close the gap. Not just as an annual conference, but as part of a longer effort toward a Philippines recognized as a regional leader in space and astronomical research.

From a speck of dust in the vast Universe, our journey is only beginning. And the work to expand our horizons is already underway.