2024 in Review: Burkina Faso’s Growing Space Ambitions
Burkina Faso, a landlocked Francophone West African country, has made significant strides towards growing its space ecosystem over the years. The country commenced the construction of its first satellite, BurkinaSAT-1, in Q4 of 2020, aiming to leverage the Earth Observation satellite for its national interests, such as food security. Additionally, the nation has been investing in ground infrastructure to support space activities. This includes the development of a ground station located at the Norbert-Zongo University in Koudougou, which was built in 2020 as part of the satellite construction project.
With BurkinaSAT-1‘s launch scheduled for the coming months, we spoke to Professor Ouattara Frédéric, the project lead, to learn about its current developments. Professor Frédéric is the former Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation and the 2018 AGU Laureate of the “Africa Award for Research Excellence in Space Science.”
What are the primary goals and objectives of the Ministry of Higher Education in Burkina Faso for the country’s space programme?
The Ministry’s goals are aligned with the current government’s general space agenda, which is to participate in space activities for the socio-economic development of Burkina Faso. The objectives are strongly aligned to address challenges related to agriculture. This is because 85% of the population in Burkina Faso are farmers. Therefore, this necessitates its priority. In addition, capacity building for the space industry is critical, enabling the country to build up a critical mass of space science experts. This will position our country at an advantage in fully reinforcing its workforce in developing the major space activities and agendas for Burkina Faso.
What specific goals did the Ministry work towards in 2024?
One key initiative was the improvement of the operability of the existing ground station at Norbert-Zongo University in Koudougou. This included enhancing the accuracy of the data sets collected and improving the state of the antenna and receiving systems. Additionally, we worked towards capacity building in software management, handled by some of the key staff operating the ground station.
Similarly, our priority areas align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These cover eradicating poverty, enhancing food security and sustainable agricultural practices aligning with SDGs 1 and 2. We also focus on strengthening equal access to quality education for all, guaranteeing access to a sustainably managed water supply, and ensuring access to reliable, sustainable, and modern services for all citizens at an affordable cost, aligning with SDGs 4,6 and 7. Lastly, we prioritise preserving and restoring terrestrial ecosystems while ensuring their sustainable use, managing forests sustainably, combating desertification, halting and reversing land degradation and putting an effort to slow down biodiversity loss. We are confident that space and space technology can help achieve and enhance these priority areas in one way or another.
What steps did the ministry implement this year to promote STEM and space education to the country’s younger generation while building the national capacity required for the upcoming space industry workforce?
In 2024, the Ministry built national capacity for space education and STEM by actively engaging in UN space-related programmes and other global space initiatives. These engagements provide opportunities for knowledge exchange, exposure to international best practices, and access to resources that can benefit the country’s younger generation and emerging workforce. To promote STEM and space education, the ministry started operationalising the Norbert Zongo University space village as a hub for encouraging students to engage in scientific studies and develop an interest in space-related disciplines. The ministry also prioritised visits to agencies and organisations with robust space programmes to learn best practices for space activity implementation and operations. Lastly, for training and capacity-building development at the tertiary level, the ministry set up bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes in space-related disciplines. This was done in collaboration with various partners to ensure the growth of a qualified space workforce.
According to the initial plan, the Burkinasat-1 satellite was slated for launch by the end of the year. How on track is the plan? Is the programme still expected to launch by the end of the year? What key missions will the satellite achieve for the country?
The Burkina Sat 1 satellite project continues progressing, with launch preparations scheduled for early 2025. The satellite was first intended to launch during Q4 2024, but the launch window has been postponed due to technical delays and unavoidable circumstances. In a collaborative effort between Burkina Faso and its Chinese partners, the mission represents a significant stride in the country’s technological and agricultural resilience strategies. Burkina Sat 1 will deliver actionable insights to farmers facing increasingly unpredictable climate conditions using high-resolution imaging and sophisticated soil monitoring technologies. Chinese technical expertise is integral to the project, with ongoing consultations focusing on identifying the optimal launch window that maximises the satellite’s operational potential.
Could you share any updates or the status of the Ground receiving Station at Norbert-Zongo University in Koudougou? Is it currently operational, and what activities are involved around it?
The ground station has undergone a comprehensive technological upgrade to enhance its operational capabilities. Key improvements include the installation of new servers, monitors, and a Network Attached Storage (NAS) drive, which significantly boosts the station’s data reception, storage, and processing infrastructure. Specialised data processing software further strengthens the station’s technical capabilities, ensuring more efficient and robust data management and analysis. These enhancements will optimise the ground station’s performance, enabling more sophisticated and reliable data handling for its operational objectives.
Is there any infrastructural development that the government is considering for the Astronomy, Space Science and Satellite Communications segment in the future?
An optical telescope has been set up at the Université Joseph Ki Zerbo in Ouagadougou to support astronomy teaching programmes, where PhD staff actively educate students and advance knowledge in the field. Collaborative efforts are ongoing to leverage space for the well-being of Burkina Faso’s citizens, with initiatives to establish a computing centre and laboratories to test the operational capabilities of nanosatellites. Additionally, discussions with authorities are progressing toward launching a telecommunications satellite programme in partnership with international collaborators, marking significant strides in the country’s space ambitions.
What are your priorities in 2025, and what exciting projects/programmes can we look forward to?
The primary focus will be successfully launching and maintaining satellite operations, particularly ensuring the Burkina Sat 1 mission’s effective deployment and continuous data collection capabilities. Simultaneously, the country aims to develop robust frameworks for transforming satellite-acquired data into actionable insights, targeting critical sectors such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, and national resource management. A key institutional milestone is establishing the Burkina Faso Space Agency, which will be the central coordinating body for national space initiatives, research, and technological innovation.
Is Burkina Faso establishing a national space policy or strategy to strategically leverage space technologies for socio-economic development?
Yes. Burkina Faso has taken significant steps towards establishing a national space policy to harness space technologies for socio-economic development. A dedicated focal point has been appointed to oversee legal aspects and actively participates in various United Nations sessions on space law. These engagements aim to draw valuable insights for drafting comprehensive legal texts and developing an operational framework to support the country’s ambitions in the space sector.