Botswana is making history this month as it gears up to launch its first-ever satellite, BOSAT-1, marking a giant leap in the country’s space science ambitions. The satellite, initially scheduled for launch on Wednesday, was delayed due to unfavorable weather conditions but is now scheduled to take off from California, USA, by Friday (today).
Aligning with the broader strategy to harness space technology for national development, the satellite is expected to contribute to critical sectors, including:
- Agriculture: Enhancing precision farming and monitoring land use.
- Disaster Management: Improving early warning systems for floods, droughts, and wildfires.
- Environmental Monitoring: Tracking climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity.
- Urban Planning: Assisting in infrastructure development and land mapping.
Updating the media recently on the progress of the project, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Otlogetswe Totolo, emphasized that the satellite aligns with the university’s strategy to leverage space technology for national development.
“Our space ambitions are part of a greater movement to position Botswana as a leader in Africa’s space ecosystem. Botswana’s journey can serve as a blueprint for other emerging space nations. We have demonstrated that through strategic partnerships and the right investments, smaller nations can enter the space sector. This milestone is a testament to our nation’s capability to engage in space science, satellite technology, and innovation-driven economic growth,” explained Prof. Totolo, adding that universities played a key role in the project, particularly through capacity building and training.
According to the project lead, Dr. Dimane Mpoeleng, despite limited funding, BIUST has led the research, engineering, and capacity-building efforts for the satellite, with support from the government of Botswana. “We can’t afford the transport (Falcon 9) that takes the satellite to 510km altitude, which is why it is being launched in the USA. The rocket fuel to do it ourselves is P40 billion, so you can see we saved the government millions of Pula. The satellite is capable of accessing any area of Botswana with infrared capabilities and traveling at 27,000 kilometers per hour during its orbit,” said Dr. Mpoeleng, adding that the mission for the satellite will last for five years, though the satellite itself will remain in space for 20 years.
Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tacxjz3z5sA
