African satellites are rapidly advancing in space technology, with several countries launching them into orbit. On August 16, Senegal made history by launching its first satellite, GaindeSAT-1A, as part of a mission that included 116 other satellites, mostly from Western nations. Senegal’s president hailed the achievement as a step towards “technological sovereignty.”
The cost of launching satellites has dropped, allowing more African nations to join the space race. Currently, 17 African countries have launched over 60 satellites, with more expected in the future. Despite the growing number of satellites, the continent lacks its space launch facilities.
Some experts, like Kwaku Sumah of Spacehubs Africa, see this as a positive development, arguing that it provides better control over technology and access to satellite data, which can help monitor crops, and weather, and improve telecommunications. However, others, like Jessie Ndaba of Astrofica Technologies, emphasize that space programs should focus on addressing Africa’s immediate challenges, such as climate change, rather than competing in a space race to the moon or Mars.
Satellite technology is already proving valuable, especially in meteorology. For instance, Kenyan meteorologists have used European satellite data to track dangerous weather conditions, and they look forward to more African countries developing their own meteorological spacecraft to meet regional needs.
Many African space programs depend on foreign partnerships, raising concerns about geopolitical influence. Though Senegal’s satellite was developed locally, it relied on support from a French university and was launched via a SpaceX rocket. Experts suggest that Africa can leverage the competing interests of global powers to gain better deals, but there are also calls for updating global space treaties to ensure peaceful space exploration.
The future looks bright for Africa’s space ambitions, with nearly 80 satellites currently in development. However, African nations must navigate both the opportunities and challenges posed by increasing international involvement in their space endeavours.
