The African space industry is booming with close to 80 satellites currently in development. This represents a significant opportunity for African nations to chart their own way into orbit and beyond. The information gained from satellite data could help Africans monitor crops, detect threats posed by extreme weather, or improve telecommunications in remote areas.
The Future of the Industry Looks Very Bright
The future of the African space industry looks very bright, with close to 80 satellites currently in development. This represents a significant opportunity for African nations to chart their own way into orbit and beyond.
It’s Time for Africa to Take Control of Its Space Technology
It’s time for Africa to take control of its space technology. The information gained from satellite data could help Africans monitor crops, detect threats posed by extreme weather such as floods, or improve telecommunications in remote areas.
A Total of 17 African Countries Have Put More Than 60 Satellites into Orbit
To date, a total of 17 African countries have put more than 60 satellites into orbit. This includes Senegal’s first satellite, GaindeSAT-1A, which was launched on a SpaceX launcher in August and will provide earth observation and telecommunications services.
Lower Space Launch Costs Have Given African Nations an Opportunity
The cost of launching a satellite has fallen significantly in recent years, making it more accessible for African nations. This reduction in cost has opened up the market for smaller nations to get involved.
Opportunities Exist for African Space Ports to Play an Important Role
African space ports have an important role to play in the coming decades, with space launches from equatorial regions expected to increase. The Luigi Broglio Space Center, an old Italian-built space port off the coast of Kenya, could be brought back into service one day.
More Than 80 Satellites are Currently in Development
We can expect to see rising activity in space from African nations, with more than 80 satellites currently in development. This represents a significant opportunity for African nations to take control of their space technology and use it to address local challenges such as climate change.
There is a rush of African satellite launches due to the threat posed by climate change, which has led to an increased focus on using space technology to monitor food and resources in Africa. This approach is being taken instead of trying to reach the moon or Mars, which would not be helpful for the continent.
Space Technology is Being Used to Monitor Food and Resources on the Continent
Space technology is being used to monitor food and resources on the continent, with satellites proving invaluable in tracking weather conditions. The latest generation of Eumetsat spacecraft will provide wildfire and lightning monitoring tools among other benefits.
Climate Change Brings Rapidly Emerging Meteorological Threats
Climate change is causing meteorological threats such as major storms and extreme drought to emerge rapidly. Satellite data that can be updated as frequently as every five minutes or less would help meteorologists track these phenomena.
To date, a total of 17 African countries have put more than 60 satellites into orbit. Some countries have sent students and engineers abroad to pick up space tech know-how, but this has created problems when they return as there is no laboratory or facility for them.
African space ports have an important role to play in the coming decades, with space launches from equatorial regions expected to increase. The Luigi Broglio Space Center, an old Italian-built space port including a sea platform off the coast of Kenya, could be brought back into service one day.
