Zambia is set to make a significant stride in space technology by commissioning its ground receiving station, a facility valued at USD 14 million( ZMW 369.75 million). President Hakainde Hichilema will soon preside over the station’s official opening, which is now fully operational in Chibombo District. The facility is a National Remote Sensing Center unit under the Ministry of Technology and Science.
The Ground Receiving Station has already begun receiving and analysing data from space. Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati confirmed that the station passed all tests and is now fully operational. He highlighted that the facility will provide valuable data to assist policymakers and experts in planning interventions in health, agriculture, mining, and other critical sectors.
“The amount of data we are already receiving from space is amazing. It is making our experts from UNZA (University of Zambia) and CBU (Copperbelt University) analyse and help us make informed decisions,” Mutati said. The minister further explained that the facility will collaborate with international partners, including Sweden and the United States, and local stakeholders.
Zambia’s Space Priorities
Rather than launching its satellite, Zambia will prioritise accessing satellite data from other countries. Minister Mutati underscored the importance of space data in addressing Zambia’s challenges, such as mineral exploration and weather prediction. This highlights Zambia’s priorities in the space sector through access to space data.
Visiting Swedish astronaut Professor Christer Fuglesang encouraged Zambians to embrace space science, which holds great potential for the country’s development. Fuglesang, the first Swedish astronaut to fly under the European Space Agency, further emphasised that space data can deepen national knowledge across multiple areas.
Additionally, Paula Engwall, the Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Swedish Embassy in Zambia, pledged continued support for Zambia’s space ambitions. She lauded the completion of the Ground Receiving Station as a major step forward in Zambia’s space and technological development.
The Value of Ground Stations in Africa
Access to space data is becoming a key priority for many African countries, underscored by the importance of having ground receiver stations across the continent. African and international partners can use such ground-receiving stations as a cost-effective alternative to building their own ground stations. Additionally, this enables Zambia to offer ground stations as a service, expanding their collaboration and bolstering their potential for commercialising the station.
Zambia will soon launch its satellite to assist decision-making and effective data access in agriculture, forestry, groundwater management, and other sectors. The soon-to-be commissioned ground station will be a key component of this project, joining other African countries in the space race.
Source: https://spaceinafrica.com/2024/10/13/president-hichilema-to-commission-usd-14-million-ground-receiving-station-in-zambia/
