Africa Reaches for Stars with Satellite Launches, NASA Deal

South Africa's Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the United States's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have signed signed a letter of intent to formalise a space exploration partnership. The signing was followed by a traditional sod-turning ceremony with NASA and the South African National Space Agency, an entity of the DSI, signalling the renewal of the partnership through the establishment of a new communications facility that will help the Artemis missions return humans to the moon.

The partnership comes as both Uganda and Zimbabwe both made their maiden satellite launches as part of the Joint Global Multi-Nation Birds Satellite Project which were transported aboard a NASA rocket.

Monica Musenero, Uganda's minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, said: "As a country, the development of PearlAfricaSat-1 presents opportunities for the development of subsequent satellites locally in Uganda, meaning our engineers and scientists will be providing practical solutions to the challenges facing the Ugandan citizens as well as boosting the country's internal capacity to develop the space science and technology industry value chain."

The PearlAfricaSat-1 will provide data for research and observation along with information including but not limited to weather forecasts, mineral mapping and agricultural monitoring.

Similarly, Zimbabwe's ZimSat-1 satellite will, among other things, enhance mineral exploration and monitoring of environmental hazards and droughts. The satellite launch is part of government efforts to engage more in research and development as the country aims for upper-middle-income economy status by 2030.