2024 in Review: Solidifying Egypt’s Increasing Role as a Space Industry Leader

Egypt has made significant progress in actualising its space programme and positioning the country as a formidable and growing space economy. Since its space programme’s inception, Egypt has launched 14 satellites in orbit and added a new one to its fleet in 2024: NExSAT-1, with several joint projects scheduled for launch in the coming years. Additionally, Egypt boasts significant space infrastructure and institutions. These include Space City, a state-of-the-art assembly and integration and testing (AIT) facility, the largest in Africa and the Middle East.  Lastly, the Egyptian Space City hosts the African Space Agency, scheduled to be inaugurated in April 2025. 

In this interview, Dr Sherif Sedky, the CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency, discusses the country’s space vision for 2024, its achievements, and goals for 2025.

The Egyptian Space Agency has reached many significant milestones in its space programme. Could you highlight some of the most significant milestones the agency has achieved in 2024?

Indeed, the first significant event was the launch of MisrSat-2. It’s a mini-satellite, and it is now fully operational. We’ve obtained high-quality images from it that serve a wide range of applications. Additionally, we established a strong team for image processing and enhancement that supports the satellite’s operations.

The second milestone is the completion of the first phase of the Space City. This includes various facilities and labs, such as the newly established orbit simulation lab, which simulates satellite operations in orbit. Another achievement is the launch of NExSAT-1 in February. We are particularly proud of it because we achieved 40% localisation of Egyptian technology, including assembly, integration and testing (AIT), and the onboard computer programme and design. This mission initially planned for six months, has exceeded expectations and is still operational, even though it was supposed to end in August. This indicates a 60% addition to the planned mission lifetime. 

Beyond that, we’ve signed numerous agreements this year. For instance, we have agreements with the Italian Space Agency, the Hellenic Space Agency (Greek Space Agency) and the Saudi Space Agency. We are finalising agreements with Kenya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

Egypt also chaired the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) this year—the first time an African country has done so since its inception in 1959. I chaired the 67th session in Vienna and later submitted the final report to the UN General Assembly in New York. We also chaired the Arab Space Cooperation Group and hosted the New Space Horizon Conference in September 2024. High-level delegations, including CEOs of international space agencies, attended the event. Other highlights include participating in major international events, such as the Abu Dhabi Space Debate, the Space Debris Conference in Saudi Arabia, and the Space Traffic Management Conference organised by Portugal and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Activities(UNOOSA).

We also had significant progress in the remote sensing camera that would be placed on the Bartolomeo platform of the International Space Station (ISS). The agency also started a new joint project with China and Bahrain to develop the LunaCam, which will be part of the Chang’e 7 mission in 2025. Lastly, we are also on the verge of completing two other missions, the SPINX designed for plasma analysis and the African Development Satellite (AfDev-Sat), a joint effort between several other African countries.

The launches for the previously mentioned missions, SPINX and the AfDev-Sat were slated for Q4 2024. Could you update us on their progress?

SPINX will be transported to the launch site in Q1 of 2025. For the African Development Satellite, we are resolving issues related to its Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS) in collaboration with Nigeria. Progress is ongoing, and updates will be shared with the public once it is ready for launch.

How will Egypt’s role as host of the African Space Agency (AfSA) in Space City strengthen its position as a leader in Africa’s space sector?

Having the African Space Agency within Space City is an exceptional opportunity. It allows African member states to access our facilities and expertise in satellite development, image processing and receiving stations. This integration promotes collaboration, provides tangible examples of progress, and empowers African nations to capitalise on these resources. We are very open to making this a reality as EgSA.

Last year, there was talk about commercialising satellite imagery. A joint stock company was to be established for this purpose. How far along is this initiative?

We have established a portal showcasing all our satellite images and are preparing for its public launch, which will give access to the global market. Additionally, we are finalising two major initiatives: a company owned by the Egyptian Space Agency and establishing a technology park within Space City. The park will provide a special zone for companies to develop satellite components on-site.

You mentioned that the Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) facility is complete. What is the progress and update on its interest and usage among African countries?

Yes, we have received interest from local companies. However, to fully operationalise this, the centre requires international accreditation. We aim to achieve full AS 9100 accreditation by March 2025, strategically positioning ourselves as one of the few African nations with this capability and enhancing our appeal to global businesses.

What are some updates on capacity-building programmes, particularly in promoting STEM education and building capacity for satellite development in 2024 and beyond?

We held several sessions for students from schools and universities during summer and winter breaks. We also launched internship programmes for fresh graduates and developed the Space Keys platform, enabling students to build satellites and acquire images. Additionally, we have hosted international training programmes and collaborations with Italy and other nations.

Collaboration, particularly with China, has been crucial for the agency. This year, we saw agreements on lunar research and delegation visits. How do you envision this partnership evolving moving forward?

Our collaboration with China is highly productive. Signing the Lunar Research Station agreement is a significant step in deepening our strategic partnership. We are also exploring future joint projects and expanding our collaboration into new areas to avoid duplicating efforts or reinventing the wheel. Instead, we aim to leapfrog and learn from each other, accelerating the development of our programme.

Regarding the NewSpaace ecosystem in Africa, is the agency creating an environment conducive to private-sector growth?

As mentioned earlier, the technology zone being established within Space City is central to this goal. By facilitating partnerships between local and international investors, we aim to stimulate local industries and create a thriving space ecosystem, particularly around the manufacturing industry.

Looking ahead to 2025, with the NewSpace Africa Conference and the African Space Agency’s inauguration in Cairo, what are your expectations for these events?

The inauguration of the African Space Agency marks a turning point for space activities in Africa. It will catalyse collaborations, facilitate the exchange of ideas, and lay the groundwork for impactful projects that address the continent’s needs.