TRL Space Begins Development of Rwanda’s First Hyperspectral Satellite
The CEO of TRL Space, Petr Kapoun, has announced that the company is building Rwanda’s first hyperspectral satellite. The 6U CubeSat will utilise sensors to capture images across various spectral bands, delivering highly detailed data that is particularly useful for agricultural applications. This announcement was made during the Space Exploration Evening in Kigali on 11 October. The event brought together the Rwanda Space Agency, Unistellar, a leading manufacturer of computer-connected telescopes, university students, space enthusiasts, and space industry professionals.
About the CubeSat
Specifically, the hyperspectral satellite will enhance agriculture and environmental monitoring by delivering detailed information on crop health, soil moisture, and plant chlorophyll levels. The CubeSat will weigh between 10 and 12 kilogrammes and measure 10 centimetres in height, 20 centimetres in width, and 30 centimetres in depth. Additionally, the CubeSat, branded with Rwanda’s national identity, will orbit the Earth at 510 kilometres for a mission duration of five years. The satellite will transmit data to the Rwanda Space Agency, making it accessible to government ministries, students, and institutions.
The team began constructing the satellite this week. They expect it to take approximately 20 months to complete, with a projected finish date in June 2026. Once completed, the team will launch the satellite from Florida in the U.S. aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. Consequently, the Rwanda Space Agency is establishing a dedicated data processing centre to handle the satellite’s transmissions.
Hyperspectral satellites are crucial to offering new possibilities. They can assist scientists and decision-makers in agriculture and other industries, such as mineral exploration and environmental monitoring. Additionally, they are lightweight and offer more advanced possibilities than traditional satellites.
Building Human Capital
TRL Space is also investing in building a skilled workforce in Rwanda. Most of the engineering team comprises Rwandan nationals, who European experts have trained in satellite technology. Additionally, seven full-time engineers are working on the project. With the team, plans are underway to establish a laboratory and testing facility by early 2025.
“We don’t just want to provide space technologies; we want to build them here, using local engineers and transferring knowledge from Europe to Rwanda, “Kapoun said. Additionally, TRL Space plans to send one CubeSat to space each year, totalling up to five satellites for Rwanda. The project has attracted approximately USD 1 million (RWF 1.3 billion) in investment, and the CEO highlighted the company’s commitment to developing Rwanda’s space infrastructure and local capacity. Further, he has underscored that the long-term goal would be commercialising satellite services across Africa.
The CEO of the Rwanda Space Agency further added, “We want to raise awareness about space technologies and show students the potential they have to impact sectors like agriculture and disaster management.” The Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, also commended TRL Space for its investment and commitment to advancing Rwanda’s space sector.
About TRL Space
TRL Space Rwanda is a subsidiary of TRL Space, a Czech Republic company that specialises in small satellites (CubeSats). TRL Space Rwanda has operated in Rwanda for three years and is headquartered at Norrsken House Kigali. The company is also working on Africa’s first satellite and constellation hub, which aims to lay the foundation for a thriving space ecosystem.