African Satellite Constellation Must Succeed

Food security on the African continent, among others, will be improved if talks between South Africa, Algeria, Kenya and Nigeria about launching a constellation of satellites succeed.

The talks need to be a success because space assets are no longer only a matter of prestige. They have become critical sources of information.

The constellation of 4 satellites was discussed at the first African Leadership Conference on Space Science and Technology for Sustainable Development, hosted in Abuja last week by Nigeria's National Space Research and Development Agency.

Representatives of the four governments also met at Stellenbosch, South Africa, during September this year. It was agreed, in principle, to work together in the context of the African Resource and Environmental Management Constellation (ARM) towards the launch and operation of a constellation of low Earth orbiting satellites.

Space based systems are routinely used for telecommunications, broadcasting and weather forecasts, some of which have become commercially viable businesses, while others, like the weather forecast, are essential public services. The following New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) priorities will be served by the planned African constellation: disaster management, food security, health, infrastructure, land use, safety and security and water resource management.

South Africa is expected to make a substantial contribution after plans for a South African (SA) space program were first announced by Science and Technology Minister Mosibudi Mangena earlier last month. Government is set to inject R26 million into the three-year project. Plans include the launch of SA’s second satellite into orbit by the end of 2006, early 2007.

South Africa’s first satellite, SunSat, which was built by Stellenbosch University staff and students and rocketed into space by NASA in 1999.

Sun Space and Information Systems of Stellenbosch has been commissioned to build the second satellite.