ESA and African Space Agency Council hold first meeting in Paris

The African Space Agency Council and the European Space Agency (ESA) met in Paris last Friday for the first time to strengthen the African-European space collaboration, signalling a new phase in African-European space relations.

MaxIQ Space and partners to launch student payload on ASRI’s Phoenix test flight

MaxIQ Space has partnered with Parklands College and the Sakhikamva Foundation to launch a 1U payload aboard the Aerospace Systems Research Institute’s Phoenix hybrid rocket. The test launch is scheduled for December 2024.

Building South Africa’s space launch capabilities

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Aerospace Systems Research Institute spearheads efforts to establish South Africa’s space launch capabilities. ASRI’s recent paper outlines the goal of providing Africa with sovereign access to space, and this article discusses some of the institute’s major programmes.

TeanGeo2024 International Conference: key insights on geospatial technology’s role in Africa’s sustainable development

The Fourth International Conference on Advanced Geospatial Science & Technology was recently held in Tunis from 22nd to 24th October 2024—the event aimed to promote the growth of geospatial science and technology in North Africa and beyond. Key sessions covered innovative research, emerging methodologies, applications of remote sensing in environmental protection, and sustainable development through geospatial technology. Here are some key excerpts.

Starlink temporarily suspends planned price increase for Nigerian subscribers amid regulatory disputes

Starlink has temporarily suspended its recent price hike for Nigerian users following backlash and regulatory scrutiny over the price adjustment implemented on October 1, 2024.

Starlink terminals sell out in major cities in Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Starlink terminals are sold out in major cities in Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe, signalling the high adoption of its satellite services across Africa and a need for increased capacity in affected areas where new customers cannot access the service.

PAU engineering students make history with the Trailblazer’ Mars rover prototype

A Pan-Atlantic University team has developed Nigeria’s first-ever Mars rover prototype, Trailblazer, which earned them 2nd place at the prestigious African Rover Challenge and marks a significant milestone for the university and Nigeria’s space ambitions.

Italy’s growing influence in Africa’s space sector

Through the Italian Space Agency and several other MDAs, the Italian government is actively expanding its space footprint and increasing its focus on space activities and applications across Africa. This article highlights Italy’s commitment to capacity building, partnership, infrastructure, and NewSpace development in Africa.

Poland to host IAC 2027 after 60 years

In a significant milestone for Poland’s space sector, IAC will return to the country in 2027, after over six decades since hosting the prestigious event in 1964.

42,000 Africans reach for the stars by sending their names to space

About 42,231 African names have been sent to space aboard NASA’s Europa Clipper Mission, a stellar journey to study Jupiter’s most interesting moon, Europa.

Opportunities and events

1. The GMES and Africa programme is organising a three-day course titled “Earth Observation for Coral Reef Resilience—Ecology, Threats, and Monitoring” for stakeholders in Egypt from Tuesday, 12 November 2024, to Thursday, 14 November 2024.
2. The Kenya Space Agency has developed the Draft Kenya Space Bill 2024. It is inviting all stakeholders and the general public to a virtual session to provide feedback on the proposed legislation shaping the future of Kenya’s space sector.