Why there's a rush of African satellite launches

In August, Senegal made history by launching its first satellite into space aboard a SpaceX rocket. This satellite, named GaindeSAT-1A, is significant as it marks the first time an African nation has developed its own spacecraft. The satellite is designed to provide essential services such as Earth observation and telecommunications. Senegal's president hailed this achievement as a major step towards 'technological sovereignty,' emphasizing the importance of having control over their own technology. Kwaku Sumah, the founder of Spacehubs Africa, a consultancy focused on space, explained that the cost of launching satellites has decreased significantly. This reduction in expenses has opened the door for smaller nations to participate in space exploration. To date, 17 African countries have successfully launched satellites, with Senegal, Djibouti, and Zimbabwe being among the latest to do so. However, it is important to note that Africa currently lacks its own space launch facilities. Additionally, there are concerns that powerful countries may be using emerging African space programs to strengthen their geopolitical influence. Kwaku Sumah stressed the importance of African nations having their own satellites, as this would allow for better control over technology and easier access to satellite data. Such information can be invaluable for monitoring agricultural conditions, detecting extreme weather threats like floods, and enhancing telecommunications in remote areas. Despite these advancements, space exploration is still perceived as an elite endeavor in Africa, according to Jessie Ndaba, co-founder of Astrofica Technologies, a South African space tech firm. She noted that business in her company remains 'very slow,' and emphasized the need for space technology to address pressing challenges in Africa, particularly those related to climate change. Sarah Kimani, from the Kenyan Meteorological Department, shared her experiences using satellite data to track hazardous weather conditions. She recalled utilizing information from a European satellite agency to monitor a significant dust storm in March. This year, her team will begin receiving data from the latest generation of Eumetsat satellites, which will provide tools for monitoring wildfires and lightning. 'It will help us improve our early warning systems,' she stated, highlighting the efficiency of their collaboration with Eumetsat. Climate change poses rapid meteorological threats, ranging from severe storms to extreme droughts. 'The intensity of these hazards is changing,' Ms. Kimani noted, emphasizing the need for satellite data that can be updated frequently to assist meteorologists in tracking such phenomena. She also expressed the belief that Kenya, which launched its first operational Earth observation satellite last year, would benefit from having more of its own meteorological spacecraft in the future. Temidayo Oniosun, managing director of Space in Africa, pointed out that many African nations with emerging space programs rely heavily on foreign technology and expertise. Some countries have sent students and engineers abroad to gain knowledge in space technology, but upon their return, they often find a lack of facilities to apply their skills. Senegal's new satellite was built by local technicians, but it is worth noting that this achievement was made possible through a partnership with a French university, and the satellite was launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California. Ethiopia also recently launched its first Earth observation satellite, ETRSS-1, aimed at collecting data to modernize agriculture and mitigate drought. While countries like Europe, China, and the US have been involved in various African space programs, which has undoubtedly boosted African technology, it has also raised concerns about the geopolitical implications of such involvement. Mr. Oniosun expressed some worry about the potential for African space programs to become arenas for global power struggles. However, Mr. Sumah remains optimistic, believing that African nations can leverage their relationships with these powerful countries to secure better deals. Julie Klinger, a scholar at the University of Delaware, noted that the strategic implications of foreign involvement in African space endeavors necessitate updates to global treaties and strategies to maintain a peaceful and manageable space environment. There are also opportunities for African spaceports to play a significant role in future launches, particularly from equatorial regions. The Luigi Broglio Space Center, an old Italian-built spaceport off the coast of Kenya, could potentially be revived for future use. In conclusion, the future of African nations in space exploration appears promising, with nearly 80 satellites currently in development. Mr. Oniosun believes that the industry is on the brink of significant growth, stating, 'I think the future of the industry is very bright.