Botswana joins Africa in launching Satellite project
President Mokgweetsi Masisi says over the last decade Space Science and Technology in Botswana has started to take root nationally and is currently identified with several projects and initiatives being undertaken at BIUST and at the University of Botswana ( UB).
These are in the areas of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Planetary Science, Satellite Technology and Remote Sensing. In addition, satellite remote sensing usage and expertise is being utilised in Botswana by telecommunications companies, the Police, the Military, as well as departments including agriculture, mapping, weather forecasting and search for underground water.
The origins of Space Science in Botswana can be traced back in time when astronomy formed a part of everyday life, he said. During the day, he said the position of the sun in the sky and the shadows it cast on the ground were used to tell time. Masisi who was launching Botswana Satelite Project 1 ( BOTSAT1) in Palapye stated that at night, stars and constellations were observed, named and used for direction and as an indication of the time of the year that guided the planting and harvesting of crops.
“Botswana’s international involvement in SST is also evident through partnership involvement in projects such as the Square Kilometer Array ( SKA), and the hosting of a telescope as part of the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry Network ( AVN) also located here in BIUST,” Masisi said.
He said BIUST is currently the lead coordinating institution in Botswana among satellite data core user group institutions which also include UB, Botho University, Limkokwing University and the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
“I encourage you to conduct more of the technical workshop on satellite data utilisation similar to the one jointly organised in August 2022, by the Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub ( BDIH) and one of our international partners in the satellite and space technology area, Planet Labs,” said the president.
He stated that by its nature, this project demands that Botswana work in close cooperation with other countries especially in the SADC region and Africa as a whole. He said Government will therefore work with other Governments to ensure that this project is not only successful but is also sustainable and that it will serve its rightful purpose.
The Government of Botswana, according to Masisi has adopted a strategic, focused and proactive approach to Satellite Technology to realise its full potential opportunities and benefits for the country. He said the country has certainly turned a corner since the Botswana Satellite ( Botsat1) project was kick started in December 2020.
According to records from the United
Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs ( UNOOSA), at the end of January 2022, there were over eight thousand satellites circling the earth of which around five thousand are active. The president stated that the ground station will immediately communicate with other active orbiting satellites before the launch of Botswana’s own satellite in 2023 under the Botsat1 project. He said this is a project that draws its inspiration from the aspirations of the National vision 2036 and is set to actualise the reset agenda from the one that is heavily reliant on resource to the one reliant on knowledge.
“To the BIUST scientists, members of faculty, staff, and students, you have collectively contributed to the successful launch of the ground communication station. I am aware that the project will require full commitment and selfless dedication from your institution. It will be especially demanding as this is our first ever practical attempt to build and launch a satellite in space. It is my fervent hope that you will all stay the course for the rest of the journey ahead which journey is endless,” said Masisi. He indicated that this is an ambitious project that the nation should be proud of as the country is joining other countries that are already participating in space technology. He said Botswana will now be among a few African countries that have been able to launch at least one satellite into space, reflecting “our quest to find innovative solutions to the challenges that our country is facing.”
According to the President, globally the exponential growth of space science and technology ( SST) which covers a broad array of programme elements has had a significant impact on people’s lives. This, he said has reached the point where the future prosperity depends profoundly on the understanding and knowledge of “our planet Earth and the nation’s ability to access the tools of space technology that are increasingly becoming a fundamental prerequisite to economic and social development.”
He indicated that Space Science and Technology ( SST) has accordingly been recognised in Africa as instrumental to driving the Knowledge Economy. Masisi added that overburdened by the relics of slavery and colonial legacy, bound in endless battles with disease outbreaks and outbreak of conflict, Africa has missed out on successive waves of industrial revolutions.
“We cannot afford to miss out on the forth and fifth Industrial Revolution with the promise it brings with regard to the range of benefits in a range of areas which are critical to our general prosperity and well- being. Strengthening the national capacity in Space Science and Technology ( SST) accordingly provides the possibility of dealing with many of the nation’s developmental challenges, which will bring considerable economic and societal opportunities and benefits to Botswana. It will also create a significant improvement in the daily lives of the people of Botswana.”