Zambia has completed a ground receiving station, paving the way for the launch of the country’s first satellite, according to Technology and Science Minister Felix Chipota Mutati. The government invested over $14 million in the station, located in Chibombo district, Central Province. Currently undergoing testing, the station is part of the preparations for the satellite launch, although no specific date has been given.
The earth-observation satellite, aimed at addressing climate change challenges in agriculture, land use, health, and energy, has been in the planning stages for years. Climate change has severely impacted Zambia's electricity grid, leading to extended power blackouts that have strained mobile operators.
While the satellite launch was initially targeted for 2023, economic challenges, including a debt crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, delayed progress. Despite these setbacks, the Zambian government remains committed to the project, seeing the satellite as crucial for managing resources affected by climate change.
Zambia joins a growing number of African nations investing in satellite technology for climate management. Recently, Senegal launched its own satellite, contributing to the 61 satellites from 17 African countries currently in orbit. South Africa and Egypt lead with 13 satellites each, followed by Nigeria with seven.
