Namibia’s MHETI Contracts AAC Space Africa and Astrofica Technologies for Ground Station and Satellite Mission Design Facility at NUST

Namibia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation (MHETI) is advancing the country’s space technology sector by commissioning a nanosatellite ground station and satellite mission design facility at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). These projects represent critical steps toward establishing a sustainable space industry in Namibia.

To bring this vision to life, MHETI has contracted AAC Space Africa Pty Ltd and Astrofica Technologies Pty Ltd, both based in South Africa, to lead the construction of these facilities with support from local contractors. In addition, the project is slated for completion within five months and includes capacity development for approximately 30 Namibian experts from relevant ministries, organisations, and institutions. Furthermore, these experts will be trained in space science and technology to bolster Namibia’s growing space capabilities.

Nanosatellite Ground Station and Mission Design Facility

The nanosatellite ground station will serve as a research and training hub for students and graduates, enabling satellite tracking and operations from Windhoek. In addition, it will be configured for operations in the VHF, UHF, and S-frequency bands, providing essential hands-on experience for aspiring satellite engineers. Similarly, the station’s control room will be collocated with the satellite mission design facility for seamless operation integration.

The mission design facility will house a cutting-edge Concurrent Design Facility (CDF) featuring 25 computers, multimedia devices, and software design tools. Furthermore, this setup will allow teams of engineers from various disciplines to collaboratively design space missions using concurrent engineering methods. As the only facility of its kind in the region, it will offer advanced training opportunities and provide an agile platform for developing future space missions.

These facilities are expected to be commissioned for the 2025 academic year, marking a significant milestone in Namibia’s space science and technology development.

Aligning with Namibia’s Space Policy Objectives

These facilities’ development aligns with the Namibia Space Science and Technology Policy (NSSTP) objectives, established in 2023. In addition, the NSSTP outlines a series of goals aimed at building a sustainable space program, including:

1. Raising awareness and appreciation for space science and technology in Namibia.
2. Mobilising resources for space science and technology activities.
3. Building human and institutional capacity in space science and technology.
4. Ensuring optimal access and utilization of space technologies.

In conclusion, the nanosatellite ground station and mission design facility will fulfil these objectives by providing hands-on training, fostering local expertise, and enhancing Namibia’s participation in the global space sector.