The African Diaspora in Space

Bantunauts October 29, 2023October 29, 2023

(LAST UPDATED on Oct 29, 2023 @ 4:40 pm) –

Page Contents

1. African countries with space programs

1. ALGERIA — ASAL (Algeria Space Agency) is the Algerian space agency responsible for the development and launch of satellites for Earth observation, natural resources monitoring, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. The agency is also involved in space science research and international cooperation.[4]

2. ANGOLA — December 2017 saw the launch of Angosat-1, Angola’s first communications satellite. One of the main goals of the country’s space program is to improve its Earth observation capabilities. Angola has set itself the goal of launching satellites that can observe and gather data on a wide range of environmental issues, such as agriculture, forestry and natural resources, as well as disaster management. In October 2022, Angola launched AngoSat 2, its second communications satellite.[5][6]

3. EGYPT‘s space agency (EgSA) was set up with the aim of expanding Egypt’s space capabilities. The Egyptian space agency plans to build and launch its own satellites, increase space science education, and work with international space organizations.[3]

4. ETHIOPIA‘s objective is to develop and launch earth observation satellites to observe various aspects of the environment, agriculture and natural resources in the country. These satellites can be used for a variety of purposes, such as crop monitoring, disaster prevention, communication, resource management and more. The Ethiopian Space Science Society is a non-profit organization that was created in 2004. One of its missions is to develop knowledge and skills in space science and technology.[7]

5. GHANA — The Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) is a space science and technology institute in Ghana that has been working to develop the country’s space capabilities. GSSTI was opened in May 2012. It is the first Ghanaian space agency. The country is looking to use space technology for a variety of purposes, such as sustainable development, farming, disaster relief, and education. Plans are being made for Ghana to launch its satellites in the near future.[8][9]

6. KENYA”s space agency, KSA, was set up to manage space-related activities in the country. The Kenyan space program is focused on Earth observation and satellite technology, as well as space science research. The Kenyan space agency is working to solve various national issues using space technology.[10]

7. MOROCCO’s center of remote sensing (CRTS) is involved in earth observation and space related projects. Morocco has launched earth observation satellites for agriculture, water, and land monitoring. The country aims to further develop its space capabilities.[11]

8. NIGERIA — The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is a space research and development agency in Nigeria that has been actively involved in the launch of satellites and the promotion of space research in the country. The country has launched a number of satellites for agricultural, disaster relief, and communication purposes. The NASRDA’s space program is designed to help solve the nation’s problems and promote economic growth.[2]

9. TUNISIA — In order to foster space research and development, Tunisia has established the Tunisian Space Agency (TAS). This agency has expressed a desire to create its own satellites, which could be used for a variety of purposes, such as Earth monitoring and telecommunications. The development of satellites could enable Tunisia to improve its agricultural, environmental, and disaster management capabilities.

10. RWANDA Space Agency (RSA) is the Rwandan space agency that was established in 2020. The country intends to use satellite technology to observe the earth for a variety of purposes, such as agricultural, natural resource, urban, and environmental monitoring. The country also intends to work with other countries and other space agencies to expand its space capabilities and to contribute to international scientific research. [12]

11. SOUTH AFRICA — The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is responsible for all of South Africa’s space activities. including satellite development and space research. SANSA aims to use space science and technology for peaceful purposes to foster socioeconomic development in South Africa. Their goals include Earth observation, space science research, and satellite technology development. Additionally, they are involved in international space cooperation.[1]