Zimbabwe Launches Second Satellite, ZIMSAT-2
Zimbabwe has taken another significant step in space exploration with the launch of its second satellite, ZIMSAT-2. This mission follows the November 2022 deployment of Zimbabwe’s inaugural satellite, ZIMSAT-1. Spearheaded by the Zimbabwe National Geo-Spatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) in collaboration with Southwest State University (SWSU) in Kursk, Russia, ZIMSAT-2’s successful launch underscores Zimbabwe’s dedication to building a robust space programme to support its national interests.
This launch was managed by GK Launch Services as part of a commercial rideshare mission, lifting off from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia’s Amur Oblast. The Soyuz 2.1b/Fregat-M rocket, carrying two Ionosfera-M heliogeophysical spacecraft and 53 small satellites from multiple countries, departed from Site 1S at 2:18 MSK (Moscow Standard Time) / 8:18 YAKT (Yakutsk Time) after rigorous pre-launch tests conducted in the second quarter of 2024.
Furthermore, the Zimbabwean Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Dr F Shava, announced that the ZIMSAT-2 satellite has been successfully launched into orbit. Initial telemetry data confirms that all the satellite’s subsystems are functioning optimally.
ZIMSAT-2 marks a collaborative engineering feat. ZINGSA engineers, alongside Zimbabwean students at SWSU, designed and built the satellite, emphasising local expertise and hands-on experience in satellite technology. This growing expertise contributes to the national capacity to address critical development needs through satellite technology and remote sensing.
Click here to watch the launch replay.
Multispectral Imaging for Agriculture and Resource Management
At the heart of ZIMSAT-2’s mission is a multispectral camera with an 8-metre spatial resolution designed to support Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. By capturing high-resolution imagery, the satellite will monitor crop health, forecast yields, and identify areas of plant nutrient deficiency. Using the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), ZIMSAT-2 will provide valuable insights into vegetation cover and overall crop vitality, offering data crucial for decision-making within Zimbabwe’s predominantly agricultural economy.
This agricultural monitoring capability is intended to help farmers adapt to changing environmental conditions, optimise resource use, and potentially increase crop yields. Additionally, by detecting plant nutrient deficiencies and areas affected by stress, ZIMSAT-2 can aid in early interventions to preserve crop health. The satellite’s data could further enhance Zimbabwe’s food security and sustainable agriculture efforts by enabling precision farming techniques.
Beyond agriculture, ZIMSAT-2’s imaging capacity allows for identifying mineral resources, a significant focus in Zimbabwe’s extractive industries. Furthermore, the satellite supports resource exploration and management by highlighting potential mining sites, aligning with the country’s objective to boost its economy through mining.
Mapping for Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development
As Zimbabwe experiences ongoing urbanisation, satellite-based mapping of urban areas becomes increasingly valuable. ZIMSAT-2 will generate detailed urban maps, distinguishing structures, roads, vegetation, water bodies, and other critical infrastructure. This information is set to play a fundamental role in urban planning, enabling informed decisions on infrastructure development and resource allocation in Zimbabwe’s rapidly expanding urban areas.
With the ability to capture current and accurate images of urban environments, planners can better assess urban growth trends, guide future construction, and manage resources. ZIMSAT-2’s data could help address urban challenges like traffic congestion, unplanned settlements, and infrastructure resilience. In addition, these insights will also inform the development of policies aimed at sustainable urbanisation.
Enhancing National Satellite Operations with Upgraded Ground Infrastructure
To facilitate effective control and data retrieval from ZIMSAT-2, ZINGSA has announced planned upgrades to the Mazowe Ground Station, scheduled for completion by November 20, 2024. These enhancements include new capabilities to receive signals across multiple frequency bands (L, S, X, and U/VHF), improving satellite telemetry, command operations, and data acquisition. Therefore, the ground station’s upgrades will enhance the tracking and management of ZIMSAT-2, enabling efficient data handling and maximising the utility of the satellite’s collected information. In addition, with a more robust ground infrastructure, Zimbabwe aims to enhance data availability across various sectors, from environmental monitoring to education, contributing to a more self-sufficient and capable national space programme.
ZIMSAT-2 brings Africa’s total satellite launches to 61, with Zimbabwe joining a select group of African nations actively operating Earth observation satellites, Including Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, and Senegal. Furthermore, these countries have invested substantially in space technology and utilise satellite data to address regional challenges in agriculture, resource management, and disaster preparedness.