The Bulgarian aerospace enterprise EnduroSat has made a significant announcement. They are joining forces with the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) to develop Botswana’s inaugural software-defined satellite, BOTSAT-1. This launch, scheduled for SpaceX’s Transporter-13 mission, is a momentous event, set to depart in February 2025.
The engineering team from BIUST will work with EnduroSat’s specialists in Sofia to finalise the satellite’s assembly and integrate its payload. BOTSAT-1 is designed to bolster Botswana’s key sectors, such as mining and agriculture, by incorporating a hyperspectral imaging camera. This camera will capture images with a spatial resolution of 32 meters from an altitude of 500 kilometres and cover a swath width of 32 meters.
With a launch date set for August 2024, the satellite is expected to be ready for its mission. Once in orbit, BOTSAT-1 is poised to play a pivotal role in overcoming developmental challenges in Botswana. It will drive technological advancements and pave the way for sustainable growth, a promising prospect for the nation.
The satellite’s capacity to gather data across various light bands, including the near-infrared spectrum reflected off the Earth’s surface, will provide vital information and insights critical for strategic planning and long-term investment decisions. SpaceX is tasked with managing the launch logistics and will perform thorough testing to ensure the operation proceeds without complications.
EnduroSat’s Founder and CEO, Raycho Raychev, has expressed his admiration for BIUST’s strategic growth approach. He commended the university for its commitment to establishing a robust space program, stating, “The fact that the organisation has a long-term strategic growth vision and strictly follows that vision will enable them to build a formidable space program.” This strategic vision instils confidence in the project’s success.
The partnership between EnduroSat and the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) is poised to go beyond the initial project of launching BOTSAT-1. Both parties and the Botswanan government are keen on positioning Botswana as a central hub for space technology, reflecting the nation’s aspirations in science and technology.
The collaboration will also focus on leveraging EnduroSat’s recently established master’s program in space engineering and technology to foster educational exchange and develop expertise in the field. This initiative will provide a platform for knowledge transfer and skill development in the burgeoning space sector.
As Botswana gears up for the launch of its first satellite, the country is set to join an exclusive club, becoming the 16th African nation to have a satellite in space. This milestone indicates the broader trend of increased engagement in space exploration and research across Africa.
Botswana’s announcement of joining the ranks of the African Space Agency comes at a time when other African nations are also making significant strides in space endeavours. Nigeria is working towards sending its first astronaut into space, Zimbabwe has recently launched ZimSat-2, and Zambia has entered into an agreement with StarVision for a spaceborne AI algorithm rideshare, all of which underscore the dynamic progress in Africa’s space technology sector.
