Botswana’s first satellite, BotSat-1, has achieved a significant milestone as it continues progressing towards its anticipated launch in early 2025. The satellite, currently being developed through a collaboration between EnduroSat, a Bulgarian satellite manufacturer, and the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) engineers, has successfully passed its Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) phase. This milestone follows a comprehensive review of all testing results and a final inspection to ensure the satellite meets all technical and operational requirements.
Built for Botswana’s Strategic Sectors
BotSat-1 is based on EnduroSat’s 3U microsatellite platform and is equipped with a hyperspectral camera. This key payload will provide Botswana with essential data to support its mining and agricultural industries, two sectors critical to the nation’s economy. The satellite will enhance long-term planning and investment decision-making processes by delivering insights into soil composition and ground conditions. With these advanced capabilities, Botswana plans to enhance productivity in both industries and ensure efficient management of its natural resources.
A Collaborative Mission with EnduroSat
As part of this mission, EnduroSat has built the satellite and played a crucial role in developing Botswana’s engineering expertise. Through the collaboration, BIUST engineers are gaining practical, hands-on experience in satellite development, from assembly to mission operations. In addition, this learning opportunity will empower BIUST to be more autonomous in future satellite missions.
The engineers have been working closely with EnduroSat’s team at their Bulgaria facility to finalise the satellite’s assembly and payload integration. Thus, this knowledge transfer is instrumental in strengthening Botswana’s technical capabilities in satellite development and operations, equipping the next generation of engineers with the tools and knowledge to lead future space missions.
SpaceOps Software for Mission Flexibility
BotSat-1 will also benefit from EnduroSat’s SpaceOps software—a powerful tool designed to enhance mission flexibility. Similarly, the software enables real-time updates and adjustments to satellite operations, reducing the reliance on ground control intervention. With SpaceOps, BIUST engineers can carry out dynamic mission planning, payload management, and autonomous operations, significantly extending the satellite’s lifespan and making it adaptable to changing operational demands.
Launch on SpaceX’s Transporter-13 Mission
SpaceX’s Transporter-13 mission will launch BotSat-1, targeting February 2025, subject to weather conditions and pre-launch checks.
In addition, as BotSat-1 continues to progress through critical mission phases, the collaboration between EnduroSat and BIUST is a powerful example of how space partnerships can enable countries to build technical capacity, advance critical sectors, and contribute to the global space ecosystem. Furthermore, BotSat-1 represents a significant step towards harnessing space technology to drive sustainable economic growth and innovation for Botswana.
Source: https://spaceinafrica.com/2024/09/19/botsat-1-passes-major-milestone-in-preparation-for-launch/
