Page 90 - SAMENA Trends - May-June 2023

SATELLITE UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Côte d’Ivoire to Launch Its First Satellite in Space by August 2024

The African space sector is growing. In
the last twelve months, Kenya, Zimbabwe,
Uganda, Angola, and Egypt have launched
satellites into space. The Ivory Coast gov-
ernment is working with Universal Kon-
structors Associated (UKA) and a polytech-
nic institute to launch its first satellite, the
Yam-Sat CI 01. The small observation sat-
ellite should be in space by August 2024,
Adama Diawara, Ivoirian minister of sci-
entific research recently announced. "With
our own satellite, we will be able to better
observe the advance of terrorists, map the
extent of deforestation, detect illegal gold
panning, or even facilitate access to drink-
ing water," said Boubacar Fofana (photo,
left), president of UKA. This project shows
the government's wish to grow its space some other African nations. Last year, Ken- industry is expected to grow from $19.49
industry and be self-reliant in space tech- ya launched its first satellite, Taifa-1, with billion in 2021 to $22.64 billion in 2026, in
nology. President Ouattara started a fea- SpaceX's help. Zimbabwe, Uganda, Egypt, value, according to the 2022 Space in Afri-
sibility study for a satellite project in 2015 and Angola also launched satellites. And at ca report. Regarding funding, the document
and two years ago, Diawara shared plans the moment, Russia is in talks with Algeria, notes that funding for space programs in
for a space agency. By launching its sat- Nigeria, and South Africa to help them build the region went up from $523.2 million in
ellite, Côte d’Ivoire falls into the steps of and launch their satellites. Africa’s space 2021 to $534.9 million in 2022.

BITS Pilani Dubai Campus Launches 5 Pico Satellites

BITS Pilani Dubai Campus (BPDC), one of Mechanical Engineering, Computer Sci- gence of advancements in space technol-
the UAE’s leading technology and engi- ence, Biotechnology etc. came together ogy, availability of trained manpower is
neering universities has recently launched and worked tirelessly to launch the Pico going to be crucial. A very concrete aca-
and tested 5 Pico Satellites using Drone Satellites within 6 weeks after the com- demic plan has been devised wherein stu-
Satellite Launch Vehicle (DSLV) at Sanad mencement of Project MAHASAT. Dr. dents of BPDC will be trained to make sig-
Academy, Dubai. The launch was done in Madapusi said: “Pico Satellites are the fu- nificant contributions in the field of Space
the presence of the Chief Guest, Dr. Eesa Al ture of space exploration, and they're al- technology of UAE and India. The universi-
Bastaki, President, University of Dubai, Dr. ready making waves in the world's class- ty will also have its own Ground Station in
Srinivasan Madapusi, Director, BPDC, Fac- rooms. While their low cost and relatively near future which will enable students to
ulty members and Students of BPDC. Stu- quick turnaround time makes them invalu- communicate with their satellites, collect
dents were thrilled as the Pico Satellites able from an education perspective, they data, analyze it, and create predictions on
started transmitting real time data of tem- also have the power to engage students in weather, pollution levels, disaster manage-
perature, humidity, pressure, air quality, UV a project from its initial paper design to ment etc.” Shrisudha Viswanathan, Found-
intensity, and orientation. The data was building and testing to launch. “Further, er & CEO of Edutech4Space, said: “We had
projected on a large smart board for the this is an excellent training ground for de- an intensive training with upcoming engi-
visitors, giving them the ambience of a veloping interdisciplinary skills and sys- neers & future scientists of BPDC from the
mission control center. This effort under- tems level thinking that are critical for the time we started the project MAHASAT. Us-
taken by BPDC in collaboration with UAE- future. Through this hands-on experience ing Drone Satellite Launch Vehicle (DSLV)
based Edutech4Space, a pioneer in the in development, management, and mission to carry the 5 Pico Satellites to an altitude
field of space technology education, and training, BPDC is giving next-generation of 100 meters is a unique attempt in GCC.
under the mentorship of the Moon Man of scientists a chance to learn valuable skills With this success we are now geared to
India Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai marks a that will forge UAE’s plans to become re- move for Phase 2 which is ground station
significant first step towards the Project gional hub for commercial space activities installation at BPDC before we finally build
MAHASAT. A team of 30 undergraduate and advanced research and development.” the Engineering model and flight model of
students from BPDC studying diverse Dr. Annadurai, who is overseeing and guid- cubesat.”
streams such as Electronics Engineering, ing BPDC students, said: “With the emer-

90 MAY-JUNE 2023