Botswana Launches First Satellite

Botswana has successfully launched its satellite, BOTSAT-1, marking a huge step forward in the country’s technological development. This comes as satellite technology continues to gain traction on the African continent.

The launch took place at SpaceX facilities in California, USA, and was attended by President Duma Boko. Developed by engineers from the Botswana International University of Science and Technology, the satellite was launched in Carlifornia because the country and continent lack a space pad capable of launching a satellite that size.

Furthermore, Botswana has joined a group of African governments and telecom companies that have agreed to use satellite technology to help the region achieve its economic goals.

President Boko stated that the Southern African country is making a significant investment in technology to stimulate innovation, research, and development for long-term success.

“BOTSAT-1 will provide real-time data to support national initiatives in environmental monitoring, agriculture, disaster response, and urban planning. Its capabilities position Botswana as a growing player in space technology within Africa,” he said.

On his part, the Minister of Communications and Innovation in Botswana, David Tshere, said that BOTSAT-1 was launched aboard a SpaceX rocket, capable of accommodating a hyper-spectral camera payload at an altitude of approximately 600 kilometers.

“The satellite would orbit the earth continuously six times daily, transmitting and collecting data for various purposes. This satellite would show high-resolution images on the surface that would provide accurate data to inform policymakers. We have set up a data facility or ground station that would be storing information from the satellite,” he said.

Botswana’s new administration, which was sworn in just three months ago, has already announced plans to improve innovations in communication through a second satellite that would entail faster Internet.