According to the press release by Q-KON, Eos Capital, managers of the Namibia Infrastructure Development and Investment Fund (NIDIF) have approved the Namibia Spaceport project. This project spearheaded by Q-KON Namibia and will mark a significant milestone for the nation.
Furthermore, the project known as the Namibia Spaceport, although not a traditional spaceport, will serve as a crucial hub for satellite communication networks, providing ground infrastructure and advanced services to global satellite operators. Regardless, it will provide select services including:
- Ground Gateway Terminal Hosting: This involves providing essential infrastructure for hosting Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation Ground Gateway Terminals. It includes land for antenna farms, civil works, fibre connectivity, power supply, facilities monitoring, equipment hosting, infrastructure services, and on-demand first-line support services.
- Earth Observation Downlink Services: The project will facilitate the downloading of crucial data and images from orbiting satellites, enhancing earth observation capabilities and scientific research. In addition, it will facilitate access to high-resolution satellite images in schools and universities, serving as a valuable educational resource. Students can utilise these images to analyse changes in land use, monitor deforestation, or study the impacts of climate change on various ecosystems.
- Tracking, Telemetry, and Control (TT&C): The Spaceport will play a vital role in the African network of TT&C stations. These stations monitor and control satellites orbiting over the continent.
“We anticipate announcing the next steps in the coming months,” says Dr Dawie de Wet, CEO of Q-KON. Further details will be provided as they become available.
According to the Namibia’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Honourable Emma Theofelus, “The Namibia Spaceport represents a monumental stride towards harnessing the vast potential of space technology for the growth of Namibia and Africa’s communication capabilities.” The Minister added that this project was important for Namibia’s National Space Science and Technology Policy that was launched in June 2021. “The project shows Namibia’s commitment to space exploration, innovation, and sustainable development. With a strategic focus on collaboration, capacity building, and technological advancement, the Namibia Spaceport will make our country a worthy player in the African space arena,” she explained.
For Frederico Van Wyk, Chief Investment Officer of Eos Capital, greenlighting the Namibia Space Port project underscores their commitment to advancing digital inclusion and connectivity to all corners of the country, fostering economic growth and innovation in Namibia. This investment forms part of NIDIF’s larger Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector play in Namibia. “This landmark initiative aligns with Eos Capital’s mission to facilitate strategic investments that propel Namibia into the future and earn positive returns to investors,” he added.
Dr Dawie de Wet, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, “We are honoured to lead this transformative initiative that will not only elevate Namibia’s technological prowess but also play role in the growth of the LEO industry in sub–Saharan Africa.”
Source: https://spaceinafrica.com/2024/06/19/q-kon-to-spearhead-namibias-spaceport-project/
