President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania has unveiled the country’s ambitious plan to construct and launch its own satellite into space. While details about the engineering team and hosting location remain undisclosed, negotiations are already underway to achieve this scientific milestone.
If successful, Tanzania will join the ranks of Kenya and Uganda, which recently developed and deployed their own satellites in the past six months. The development of a national satellite holds immense potential across various sectors, including communication, agriculture, and disaster management.
In terms of communication, a satellite would greatly enhance connectivity in remote areas, bridge the digital divide, and improve access to crucial services such as education and healthcare. Additionally, satellite data can provide valuable insights into soil moisture, vegetation health, and crop monitoring, empowering farmers to make informed decisions on irrigation, fertilization, and pest control.
The impact of satellite technology extends to disaster management as well, enabling early warning systems, efficient emergency response, and post-disaster assessment and recovery. Tanzania’s entry into space technology follows the lead of other African nations that have leveraged space-based technologies to address societal challenges and foster progress.
Egypt leads the continent with nine launched satellites, followed by South Africa with eight, Algeria with seven, Nigeria with six, and Morocco with three. Ghana, Sudan, Ethiopia, Angola, Kenya, Rwanda, and Mauritius also feature on the list of African countries with satellite capabilities.
Kenya, for instance, recently launched its first operational earth observation satellite, developed by a team of nine Kenyan engineers. This satellite will collect crucial agricultural and environmental data to aid disaster management and combat food insecurity.
Uganda achieved a significant milestone by launching its first-ever satellite into the international space station through a multinational satellite design program involving three Ugandan and Japanese engineers.
Tanzania’s endeavour to develop its own satellite coincides with growing interest from global investors to introduce cutting-edge technology in the country. Tech billionaire Elon Musk has expressed his intention to launch Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, in Tanzania. Starlink aims to provide internet connectivity using thousands of satellites communicating with designated ground transceivers. However, the project awaits certain government approvals before moving forward.
As Tanzania sets its sights on the stars, the nation is poised to unlock new opportunities and advancements, empowering its citizens and contributing to the growth and development of the continent as a whole.
