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On the continent, the Kenyan Space Agency (KSA) is underway to selecting next Director-General from a pool of eleven contenders, as SADC kickstarts implementation of satellite sharing program to serve the region. At the same time, the Regional Centre For Mapping Of Resources For Development (RCMRD) hosts 54th Governing Council, shares resolution. Over the month, the size of Nigeria’s rocket became a debate against a NASA rocket, and we break down the factors responsible in an analysis.

Meanwhile, the International Astronautical Federation has released the world’s most extensive digital library on space history, which is accessible for public use. In a multilateral partnership, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) are working on a developmental breakthrough in quantum communications.

More stories across the continent.

Projects, Announcements, Deals and Events

In South Africa, NASA is partnering with South Africa on space data for air pollution. Hypernova, a South African company, is developing propulsion systems for micro-and nanosatellite use. SANSA has been hosting a series of virtual negotiations resulting in signing MoU with Brazil and the European Space Agency. SANSA has also executed a project that uses Satellite Imagery and AI to locate informal settlements.

Kenya witnessed an array of partnerships and innovations over the month. The Kenyan space agency played host to Ukraine and USA, and subsequently the Russian ambassador towards developing multilateral alliances. Globalstar, a private company, has received terrestrial authorisation to operate in Kenya, promising further connection in the country. Geo-Appsmith, a Nairobi based GIS and location services company, is working on a GIS-based inventory management system, while Komaza, a private firm, is Using AI and Satellite Data to Support Tree Farming in Kenya.

EgSA to establish space centres around the country. Egyptian Space Agency Signs Cooperation Protocol with University of Tanta

In West Africa, Nigeria launched a platform to map power stations across the country, while the ActInSpace 2020 Nigerian winners have been rewarded for their innovations. The overall winner will represent Nigeria at the global contest.

Algerian space agency conducts simulation exercise on telecommunications, as Angola’s GGPEN DG has been re-elected on an Angola communications board. In Senegal, Senegal Ports Authority signed an agreement with SPACECOM to enhance service delivery.

Across the continent

African Startups dominated Space-Tech 2020; EUTELSAT KONNECT communication satellite is now fully-operational while SpaceCom and Paratus collaborate to provide broadband connectivity across Africa. Canal+ has also announced the signing of a deal with Qotto for Solar-powered television in Benin. In other partnerships, AirSmat enters Nvidia Inception program; ISAT Africa Selects NuRAN for Rural Deployment; Hypernova announces Shared Sat Service partnership with EnduroSat; e-GUIDE launched an electricity prediction service using satellite imagery.

The annual GeoWeek held earlier in the month, and we reported highlights from the virtual industry track. Digital Earth Africa also collaborated with the international data community while also embarking on a training program for enthusiasts and professionals on utilising the Africa Regional Data Cube (ARDC). The Space Foundation Space Symposium 365 has also started with the opening event having notes for African Space Industry. Finally, World Space Week Announces Theme for 2021 Event, names Chair.

Articles

• Impact Of Regulations On Private Sector Participation In The Nigerian Space Industry
• GMES & Africa – An Analysis of the Earth Observation Training Program
• The Future of Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan 2020-2025
• The Kenya Space Program – An Analysis of the National Agency’s Strategic plan
• Geospatial Applications – An Analysis of the use in Africa’s Electrification Efforts
• NewSpace Systems (NSS) – The African based ADCS Manufacturer.
• Alphabet’s Project Taara Will Enhance Internet Connectivity in Africa, But How?
• Analysis: Why Nigeria’s Rocket is Small in Viral Pictures, Compared to NASA’s 
• The World Disaster Report – Highlights on the Role of Satellites in disaster management
• OneWeb Is Back, But Will, The OneWeb Constellation, Return to Africa? 

Interviews

• How EUMETSAT Is Collaborating With African Institutions for Meteorological Development

Opportunities

• AU Calls For Proposals: Consultancy Services For Conducting Research On African Space Agency
• Register to Attend the Africa-Europe Science Platform
• Job Opportunity: SANSA is Looking for Electronics Engineer to Work at Marion Island
• Apply for the OAD/SGAC/IDiA/DARA Big Data Hackathon
• Job Opportunity: SANSA is Looking for Electronics Engineer to Work at Marion Island
• IAC 2024: Call for Hosting
• Participate in the IAF GNF Space Conversation Series
• Call For Nominations: IAF Excellence in Industry Award
• Call for Nominations: IAF Excellence in 3G Diversity Award
• Apply for Communications Officer Position at South African National Space Agency
• Apply for Embedded Software Engineer Position at CubeSpace ADCS
• Space-Tech Challenge 2020: African Startups Dominate Finalist List
• Apply Now: The Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development is Hiring
• Apply for the International Astronautical Federation Abstract Mentor Program
• Call for Proposals and Abstracts: International Astronautical Congress 2021
• Apply for the 2020 RCMRD Mapping Competition
• Apply for Systems Engineer Position at South African Radio Astronomy Observatory
• Omdena Incubator Will Bring AI to Fifty Impact Startups in 2021

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