Pacquiao urges SpaceX to build a space rocket launchpad in PH

Presidential aspirant Senator Manny Pacquiao is hoping SpaceX, a space exploration company owned by billionaire Elon Musk, would build a space rocket launchpad in the country.

Photo from Pacquiao camp

A space rocket launchpad in the country?

In a statement, Pacquiao revealed he had a meeting with top officials of SpaceX, where he floated the idea of establishing a launchpad in the Philippines especially in Mindanao.

If the project will be pursued, the lawmaker said it could generate thousands of jobs for Filipino scientists, engineers, and laborers.

This will also allow the Philippines to launch its own satellites that can be used for communications, weather monitoring, topography mapping, environment protection, and research among others.

The involvement of SpaceX in our country will not only bring in investments and jobs but will also put us at the forefront of space science. Nakakaexcite ang possibility na ito at kung ano magagawa nito para sa bansa natin, Pacquiao said.

He also wants to tap low orbit satellites to provide cheap internet to the country.

This technology provides various uses such as advancing online learning, e-government services, and disaster relief and coordination, as well as linking our OFWs to their loved ones. Our future needs this technology, Pacquiao said.

What do you guys think?