Botswana has officially joined the league of countries with a presence in space, following the successful launch of its first-ever satellite, BOTSAT-1, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base on March 15.
The milestone marks a significant step forward for the nation’s ambitions in space science and technology.
The satellite, developed under the BOTSAT Project, is the result of years of effort led by the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) in collaboration with various local and international partners.
BIUST spokesperson Itumeleng Mangole on Wednesday hailed the achievement as historic, emphasising its importance in advancing Botswana’s scientific and technological capabilities.
“The launch of BOTSAT-1 is a historic achievement for Botswana, demonstrating the country’s growing capabilities in space science and technology,” BIUST spokesperson Itumeleng Mangole said in a statement.
BOTSAT-1 is now embarking on its primary mission, which includes providing crucial Earth observation data to support agriculture, environmental monitoring, and disaster response efforts.
Mangole said beyond these immediate applications, the satellite’s launch serves as a foundation for fostering future investments in satellite technology, STEM education and international collaborations in space exploration.
JN/APA