Morocco Launches Two Nanosatellites, UM5-EOSat and UM5-Ribat
SpaceX's rocket lifts off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Feb. 15, 2024. Source: SpaceX
Morocco has achieved a significant milestone by launching its first university-built nanosatellites, UM5-EOSat and UM5-Ribat. The launch took place on August 16, 2024, aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, United States.
This…
Safaricom Urges Caution in Licensing Satellite Service Providers in Kenya
Source: Kenyan Wall Street
Safaricom, Kenya's leading telecommunications company, has called on the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) to exercise caution when granting independent licences to satellite service providers. In a recent letter to the CA, Safaricom expressed concerns about potential risks and harm to the Kenyan telecommunications landscape.
The company proposed an…
Unlocking Reliable Connectivity in Southern Africa with Q-KON’s Advanced Solutions
Dawie de Wet, CEO of Q-KON. Source: Q-KON
For over 35 years, Q-KON has specialised in innovative solutions involving satellite, wireless, and unified communication technologies. Leveraging its strong system engineering, Q-KON provides comprehensive offerings that include turnkey projects, satellite network services, specialist product distribution, and business consultancy. In addition,…
Kenya to Lead First Test of Britain’s Near-Space Glider, Zephyr
Source: Kenyan.co.ke
Key Highlights
Kenya will be the first country to test the near-space glider, Zephyr, in the Rift Valley.
Zephyr will be mass-produced and sold for USD 5 million (KSH 647 million) each.
Kenya will be the first country to test the near-space glider, Zephyr, a solar-powered device designed for military surveillance. The test will take place in Kenya's Rift Valley,…
Excerpts from the 2024 NewSpace Africa Conference: Day Three
The third day of the 2024 NewSpace Africa Conference built on the success of the previous days to continue high-level discussions highlighting the experiences and uptake of space innovation, technologies, and applications among different stakeholders.
Read excerpts from the 2024 NewSpace Africa Conference; Day Two
Status Updates on African Space Agencies’ Activities - Cohort 4
The fourth head…
An Outlook of the African Space Industry: What to Look Out for in 2024, Excerpts
On January 30, 2024, Space in Africa hosted the fourth instalment of its webinar series, "An Outlook of the African Space Industry: What to Look Out for in 2024." The webinar comprehensively analysed the diverse landscape characterising the African space industry as it transitions into 2024. The discussions centred around the dynamic evolution of the African space industry, underscoring its…
Overview of the Satellite Communication Industry Segment
Africa has one of the highest internet connectivity gaps in the world. According to the World Bank, only 36% of the African populace has broadband internet access. Regardless, the continent is taking great strides in bridging these gaps through initiatives, relevant stakeholder meetings, and space-based technologies.
The satellite telecommunications sector contributed to the socio-economic…
MTN Group Exploring LEO Satellite Services to Enhance Network Resilience
According to an official statement released by the MTN Group, the mobile telecommunications provider is currently exploring low earth orbit (LEO) satellite solutions in collaboration with operators like SpaceX's Starlink and Eutelsat OneWeb. This initiative aims to bridge connectivity gaps in remote regions and enhance network resilience in areas where cellular infrastructure faces challenges.…
US-Africa Commercial Space Stakeholders Meeting, Excerpts
On the sidelines of the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2023 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the US-Africa Commercial Space Stakeholders Meeting brought delegates from the US and African governments, civil society, and industry. The primary objective of this gathering, co-organised by the African Union and the U.S. Departments of Commerce (DOC) and State (DoS), was to foster multilateral space…
Excerpts from the 2023 NewSpace Africa Conference; Day Three
The third day of the 2023 NewSpace Africa Conference built on the success of the previous days to continue high-level discussions highlighting the experiences and uptake of space innovation, technologies, and applications among different stakeholders.
In addition, Day 3 also brought a mix of keynote speeches, interactive sessions, panel discussions, B2B matchmaking, B2C matchmaking, and…