Launch expected to cost P40 billion
Botswana Satellite (BOTSAT-1), which is nearing completion, will be launched into space by SpaceX, a leading American aerospace company that specialises in the design, manufacture and launch of spacecraft and satellites.
Project leader for BOTSAT-1, Dr Dimane Mpoeleng says SpaceX has a proven track record for reliability and on-time delivery, making it an ideal partner for the project. The launch, which is expected to cost P40 billion, is scheduled to take place between January and February of next year.
BOTSAT-1 is being spearheaded by the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) with sponsorship from the Ministry of Communications, Knowledge, and Technology and the Ministry of Education and Skills Development. The ground station is already complete, and the project as a whole is estimated to be 50 percent complete, with an expected completion date of August 2024. Dr Mpoeleng revealed that the satellite will undergo a critical review in June 2024, during which time the project team will meet with all international partners to assess the satellite's progress. The critical review is a crucial milestone for the project, and its successful completion will ensure that the satellite is on track for launch.
In an interview with Botswana Guardian, Dr Mpoeleng said the satellite will focus on a variety of areas, including agriculture, the environment, and town planning. He said the satellite will capture images that will be used to create a time-lapse to monitor changes in agricultural activity.
This information will be used by the Ministry of Agriculture to make informed decisions about crop production and harvest projections. Additionally, the satellite will be used to monitor environmental changes and support urban planning initiatives.
"Regarding environmental applications, the satellite will be able to predict floods and alert the relevant authorities before they occur, and it will also monitor the spread of water in areas like the Okavango Delta. This information will help to improve flood management and disaster preparedness,” Dr Mpoeleng stated.
The satellite will also be used for town planning, monitoring urban growth, and detecting illegal settlements. “For example, the satellite was recently used in Kgaphamadi, where it helped to identify dwellers who were eligible for compensation due to the planned relocation of the settlement,” he said. The satellite's ability to detect and analyse changes over time makes it a valuable tool for urban planning and development.
The satellite is said to travel at a speed of 28,000 km/h and will orbit the earth six times a day, exposing it to different regions of the planet for about 20 to 25 minutes each time. This allows the satellite to capture images and data over a large area, even though it is only in direct view of any given location for a short period of time.
Professor Otlogetswe Totolo, Vice Chancellor of BIUST, emphasised the significance of the BOTSAT-1 project, calling it a significant step forward for Botswana and positioning the country as a leader in science, technology, and innovation. He also invited local network providers like Mascom, Orange, and Botswana Telecommunications (BTC) to set up facilities at BIUST to take advantage of these initiatives and contribute to the advancement of technology in Botswana.
The BOTSAT-1 project not only showcases the research and innovation capabilities of BIUST, but also serves as an inspiration for future generations to pursue careers in space exploration and contribute to the development of Botswana. By advancing the country's technological capabilities, the project contributes to economic growth and overall development.
Professor Totolo noted that the BOTSAT project is a testament to what can be achieved when the nation unites behind a common goal of progress and excellence. He expressed his commitment to continue working towards the advancement of Botswana through science and technology.
The Botswana Satellite project is a collaborative effort between multiple organisations, including BIUST, the government of Botswana, and international partners. The project began in November 29, 2022.
President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi attended the event, which was held at the BIUST campus and attracted industry leaders from across Botswana. The satellite is a major milestone for BIUST and will provide a range of services to the people of Botswana.
Project leader for BOTSAT-1, Dr Dimane Mpoeleng says SpaceX has a proven track record for reliability and on-time delivery, making it an ideal partner for the project. The launch, which is expected to cost P40 billion, is scheduled to take place between January and February of next year.
BOTSAT-1 is being spearheaded by the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) with sponsorship from the Ministry of Communications, Knowledge, and Technology and the Ministry of Education and Skills Development. The ground station is already complete, and the project as a whole is estimated to be 50 percent complete, with an expected completion date of August 2024. Dr Mpoeleng revealed that the satellite will undergo a critical review in June 2024, during which time the project team will meet with all international partners to assess the satellite's progress. The critical review is a crucial milestone for the project, and its successful completion will ensure that the satellite is on track for launch.
In an interview with Botswana Guardian, Dr Mpoeleng said the satellite will focus on a variety of areas, including agriculture, the environment, and town planning. He said the satellite will capture images that will be used to create a time-lapse to monitor changes in agricultural activity.
This information will be used by the Ministry of Agriculture to make informed decisions about crop production and harvest projections. Additionally, the satellite will be used to monitor environmental changes and support urban planning initiatives.
"Regarding environmental applications, the satellite will be able to predict floods and alert the relevant authorities before they occur, and it will also monitor the spread of water in areas like the Okavango Delta. This information will help to improve flood management and disaster preparedness,” Dr Mpoeleng stated.
The satellite will also be used for town planning, monitoring urban growth, and detecting illegal settlements. “For example, the satellite was recently used in Kgaphamadi, where it helped to identify dwellers who were eligible for compensation due to the planned relocation of the settlement,” he said. The satellite's ability to detect and analyse changes over time makes it a valuable tool for urban planning and development.
The satellite is said to travel at a speed of 28,000 km/h and will orbit the earth six times a day, exposing it to different regions of the planet for about 20 to 25 minutes each time. This allows the satellite to capture images and data over a large area, even though it is only in direct view of any given location for a short period of time.
Professor Otlogetswe Totolo, Vice Chancellor of BIUST, emphasised the significance of the BOTSAT-1 project, calling it a significant step forward for Botswana and positioning the country as a leader in science, technology, and innovation. He also invited local network providers like Mascom, Orange, and Botswana Telecommunications (BTC) to set up facilities at BIUST to take advantage of these initiatives and contribute to the advancement of technology in Botswana.
The BOTSAT-1 project not only showcases the research and innovation capabilities of BIUST, but also serves as an inspiration for future generations to pursue careers in space exploration and contribute to the development of Botswana. By advancing the country's technological capabilities, the project contributes to economic growth and overall development.
Professor Totolo noted that the BOTSAT project is a testament to what can be achieved when the nation unites behind a common goal of progress and excellence. He expressed his commitment to continue working towards the advancement of Botswana through science and technology.
The Botswana Satellite project is a collaborative effort between multiple organisations, including BIUST, the government of Botswana, and international partners. The project began in November 29, 2022.
President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi attended the event, which was held at the BIUST campus and attracted industry leaders from across Botswana. The satellite is a major milestone for BIUST and will provide a range of services to the people of Botswana.
