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Zimbabwe to launch multiple satellites in 2025
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Zimbabwe is set to launch multiple satellites into orbit this year, including its third earth observation satellite, ZimSat-3, as part of ongoing efforts to harness space technology for national development. The initiative, spearheaded by the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA), aims to enhance the country's capabilities in mineral exploration, environmental monitoring, drought prediction, and human settlement mapping.
The country is also developing several satellites focused on improving ground communications, such as expanding network coverage and providing satellite internet access to citizens. These communication satellites are expected to address everyday challenges in Zimbabwe by enhancing connectivity and accessibility.
Zimbabwe made its initial foray into space with the launch of ZimSat-1 in November 2022, followed by ZimSat-2 in November 2024. These milestones positioned Zimbabwe among an exclusive group of African nations with space presence.
ZINGSA director-general, Mr. Painos Gweme, confirmed that work is underway on several satellite programs. "Indeed, we are working towards increasing the number of our satellites in orbit so that we move with time. However, take note that satellite design, manufacture, test, and launch into space are not an event but a process involving multiple stakeholders," he stated.
He emphasized that the goal is not merely to launch satellites but to ensure they address specific national needs. "We currently lack real-time earth observation capabilities that provide updated satellite images every five to six hours. This data is crucial for crop yield analysis, monitoring soil erosion, and assessing environmental changes. Thus, we are working on ZimSat-3 and other satellites, which are at various stages of production."
Mr. Gweme added that the space program is geared towards delivering tangible benefits to ordinary citizens. "For our next satellite, we are prioritizing practical applications that address people's everyday needs, such as reliable communication, network coverage, and internet access."
To support these advancements, ZINGSA has upgraded the Mazowe Ground Control Station to support advanced frequency bands, enhancing the country's satellite communication capabilities. The agency is also actively involved in surveying mining towns affected by illegal mining activities to ensure public and infrastructural safety.
A geophysical survey conducted in Kwekwe in 2023 identified a network of illegal mining tunnels, some extending as deep as 1.5 kilometers. The study, enabled by ZimSat-1, exposed underground tunnels that pose significant structural risks due to sinkholes and excessive ground vibrations from blasting. Following this success, ZINGSA plans to conduct similar surveys in all major mining towns across Zimbabwe.
ZimSat-2, launched from Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia, was developed through a collaborative research program between ZINGSA and South West State University in Kursk, Russia. The satellite features an 8-meter spatial resolution multispectral camera for earth observation, assisting in crop monitoring, geological research, and urban mapping.
As Zimbabwe expands its space program, these initiatives highlight the government's commitment to leveraging space technology for national development and improving the lives of its citizens.
The country is also developing several satellites focused on improving ground communications, such as expanding network coverage and providing satellite internet access to citizens. These communication satellites are expected to address everyday challenges in Zimbabwe by enhancing connectivity and accessibility.
Zimbabwe made its initial foray into space with the launch of ZimSat-1 in November 2022, followed by ZimSat-2 in November 2024. These milestones positioned Zimbabwe among an exclusive group of African nations with space presence.
ZINGSA director-general, Mr. Painos Gweme, confirmed that work is underway on several satellite programs. "Indeed, we are working towards increasing the number of our satellites in orbit so that we move with time. However, take note that satellite design, manufacture, test, and launch into space are not an event but a process involving multiple stakeholders," he stated.
He emphasized that the goal is not merely to launch satellites but to ensure they address specific national needs. "We currently lack real-time earth observation capabilities that provide updated satellite images every five to six hours. This data is crucial for crop yield analysis, monitoring soil erosion, and assessing environmental changes. Thus, we are working on ZimSat-3 and other satellites, which are at various stages of production."
To support these advancements, ZINGSA has upgraded the Mazowe Ground Control Station to support advanced frequency bands, enhancing the country's satellite communication capabilities. The agency is also actively involved in surveying mining towns affected by illegal mining activities to ensure public and infrastructural safety.
A geophysical survey conducted in Kwekwe in 2023 identified a network of illegal mining tunnels, some extending as deep as 1.5 kilometers. The study, enabled by ZimSat-1, exposed underground tunnels that pose significant structural risks due to sinkholes and excessive ground vibrations from blasting. Following this success, ZINGSA plans to conduct similar surveys in all major mining towns across Zimbabwe.
ZimSat-2, launched from Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia, was developed through a collaborative research program between ZINGSA and South West State University in Kursk, Russia. The satellite features an 8-meter spatial resolution multispectral camera for earth observation, assisting in crop monitoring, geological research, and urban mapping.
As Zimbabwe expands its space program, these initiatives highlight the government's commitment to leveraging space technology for national development and improving the lives of its citizens.
Source - The Sunday Mail
