Botswana’s first ever software-defined satellite project dubbed BOTSAT–1, remains on schedule for launch, with a take-off window set for March 5 or early March 6 at the latest.
Set to be launched aboard Space X’s Falcon 9, BOTSAT-1 will join dozens of other satellites on the company’s 13th smallsat rideshare mission to a sun-synchronous orbit. Other satellites include a trio of CubeSats for NASA’s Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer (EZIE) mission; Arvaker 1 and, the first microsatellite for Kongsberg NanoAvionic’ N3X constellation.
The satellite is built on EnduroSat’s 3U microsatellite platform carrying a hyperspectral sensory camera payload, a spatial resolution of 32 meters at an altitude of 500 kilometers, and a swath width of 32 meters. Developed as part of the country’s broader efforts to leverage space science for national development, it is expected to play a crucial role in providing critical data for various sectors. These include agriculture, urban planning and disaster management.
The hyperspectral camera will provide critical intelligence on soil and ground composition, benefitting Botswana’s agriculture and mining industries. By leveraging this space-derived data, BIUST aims to empower the country’s policy makers with valuable insights for long-term planning and investment.
According to the project lead, Dr Dimane Mpoeleng, the BOTSAT–1 team, which is made up of about 40 volunteers, successfully constructed the Ground Station which will serve as the hub for communication with the satellite once it is launched. The key payload, the Mantis Camera which defines the mission has also been completed and tested.
BIUST Vice Chancellor Professor Otlogetswe Totolo also explained that the primary goal of the project is to develop and nurture Batswana’s skill in space engineering and science.
The multi-million Pula project was commissioned in 2022 by Former President Mokgweetsi Masisi, and is spearheaded by the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST).
The BOTSAT–1 launch will make Botswana the 16th African nation with a satellite in orbit, joining other members of the rapidly-growing African Space Agency, which the African Union established in 2017.
