Food security on the African continent, among others, will improve if talks between South Africa, Algeria, Kenya and Nigeria on launching a constellation of satellites are successful.
The talks must be successful because space assets are no longer just a matter of prestige. They have become critical sources of information.
The 4-satellite constellation was discussed at the first African Leadership Conference on Space Science and Technology for Sustainable Development, organized in Abuja last week by the Nigerian National Agency for Space Research and Development.
Representatives of the four governments also met in Stellenbosch, South Africa, during September of this year. It was agreed, in principle, to work together in the context of the African Constellation of Environmental and Resource Management (ARM) for the launch and operation of a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit.
Space-based systems are commonly used for telecommunications, broadcasting, and weather forecasting, some of which have become commercially viable businesses, while others, such as weather forecasting, are essential public services.
The planned African constellation will address the following New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) priorities: disaster management, food security, health, infrastructure, land use, security and water resources management.
South Africa is expected to make a substantial contribution after Science and Technology Minister Mosibudi Mangena first announced plans for a South African (SA) space program early last month. The government is ready to inject R26 million into the three-year project. Plans include launching the second SA satellite into orbit in late 2006-early 2007.
South Africa’s first satellite, SunSat, which was built by Stellenbosch University staff and students and launched into space by NASA in 1999.
Sun Space and Information Systems of Stellenbosch was commissioned to build the second satellite.
