Uganda set to launch its first satellite into space today
Once completed, the satellite project will provide research and observations for high-resolution image data to support weather forecasting, land, water and mineral mapping
Some of the people from several countries that took part in the BIRDS program that underttok the development of the satellites. Courtesy Photo
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
Science, Technology and Innovation minister Dr Monica Musenero will today, November 6, 2022, preside over the launch of Uganda's first-ever satellite into space.
The PearlAfricaSat-1 will be launched to the International Space Station from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Virginia.
The satellite will subsequently be deployed in low earth orbit in December, a statement released by the ministry said.
It added that a command and control centre is being set up at Mpooma in Mukono for the management of the satellite in Uganda by Ugandans. A ceremony to mark the launch will be held at Kololo on Sunday afternoon.
Once completed, the satellite project will provide research and observations for high-resolution image data to support weather forecasting, land, water and mineral mapping, agriculture monitoring and infrastructural planning, border security and early warning information for disaster preparedness.
"With our own data, analysis and prediction of weather, water quality, soil fertility, landslides and drought will be more efficient. The satellite will also play a vital role in planning and resource management and environment impact assessment in the oil and gas industry," she said in the statement.
The satellite was reportedly built by Ugandan engineers with assistance from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
The launch will be assisted by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
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