The elegant deorbiting of Uganda’s first satellite, PearlAfricaSat-1, marks a key milestone in the country’s space ambitions. The spacecraft had a 12-month mission.
The satellite, designed by student engineers Edgar Mujuni, Derrick Tebusweke, and Bonny Omara, was launched on November 7 from the International Space Station (ISS) as a part of a Japanese state-sponsored programme.
Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Monica Musenero stated that the nation invested over one billion shillings in the project, despite early doubts about its cost.
The equipment for the ground station and the training of student engineers were financed by this expense; launch and testing costs were paid for separately.
The satellite made significant contributions to geographical mapping through high-resolution imagery, even though it was not able to provide communication services like satellite TV or the internet.
In response to some who called the endeavour a vanity project, Musenero highlighted the wider applications of satellite technology.
“It is imperative to have numerous satellites, not just one. Pay TV is an example of a business where it’s important to know your spot, or what we refer to as eyeballs in the area. Production relies heavily on satellite technology, as Musenero claimed. “For instance, you can accurately predict weather conditions up to three months in advance, which helps with planning.”
Despite the expected expenditures, Uganda is preparing for the development of more satellites in the future.
Musenero reaffirmed that satellite technology is a strategic investment with broad benefits rather than a luxury for the country.
Uganda’s expanding space technology ability is demonstrated by the successful completion of the PearlAfricaSat-1 mission, which marks the beginning of a new age in space research.
