08 Feb 2024

Minister of Communications, Knowledge and Technology, Mr Thulagano Segokgo says  Botswana Satellite project, will contribute to the country’s knowledge-based economy.

He told Parliament on Wednesday that the project, which commenced in December 2021, is scheduled for completion in January 2027.  It is being executed in two phases, BOTSAT1 and BOTSAT2. Mr Segokgo outlined the progress, stating that BOTSAT1 is currently underway and involves four major phases.

The first phase involves the construction of a ground station, which commenced in January 2022 and was completed in November 2022. 

Additionally, the development of the Clean Room began in October of the previous year and is set to be finished by April of the current year.

Another critical aspect is the development and launch of the satellite, known as BOTSAT CubeSAT. The construction of BOTSAT CubeSAT began in October last year and is scheduled for launch in August this year.

Mr Segokgo also emphasised the focus on human and capital development, particularly in training local space engineers. The initiative began in January 2022, with three students having already graduated from a master’s program, and an ongoing PhD program. The plan is to train 10 more students in the next financial year.

BOTSAT2 is slated to commence in August this year and be completed by January 2027. The focus, Mr Segokgo  said  would be on developing scientific capabilities, engaging local engineering stakeholders, enhancing the satellite’s technology, and ultimately launching BOTSAT2.

Moreover,  he  said completion of the ground station has enabled the reception of data from other orbiting satellites. Although the current data is limited in resolution, it has been used for basic observation of weather, water bodies, and vegetation.

The impending launch of the BOTSAT CubeSAT is expected to significantly enhance image resolution (down to 60m) and find widespread application in agriculture, environmental monitoring, surface water distribution, human settlement planning, among others.

Mr Segokgo emphasised that the long-term benefits of the project would include expertise in space engineering, advancements in communications, improved weather monitoring, and support for various sectors such as agriculture, environment, and human settlements.

A total of P8 million has been spent on the project thus far, with a proposed budget of P33 million for the current financial year. Minister Segokgo also outlined the estimated annual budget of P33 million for subsequent years.

In terms of sustainability and revenue generation, BIUST has established a commercial arm, BIUST Enterprise, in partnership with Space Africa—a media and analytics consulting firm specialising in Africa’s space and satellite industry. This partnership aims to develop a proposal for BOTSAT to generate revenue.

Additionally, Minister Segokgo highlighted that marketing and advertising efforts for the satellite have been modest thus far, with ongoing plans for a more comprehensive approach following the satellite’s launch.

Palapye MP Mr Oneetse Ramogapi had asked the minister to update Parliament on BIUST satellite project and state the benefits that the country had already enjoyed as well as future benefits and the total money spent from design up to its completion. ENDS