Egypt’s experimental Earth observation satellite, MisrSat-2, is scheduled to be launched in December 2022, just three months behind schedule despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA), Mohammed ElKoosy, the first phase of the initial designs has been completed, and the engineering model is currently being manufactured with Chinese support. MisrSat-2 satellite is a technology transfer project between the Egyptian Space Agency and the Chinese government to provide Egyptian engineers and scientists with an opportunity to acquire on-the-project experience in satellite design and integration using facilities available in Egypt.
The EgSA CEO also revealed that the satellite assembly centre – cited in the Egyptian Space City near the New Administrative Capital- is close to completion. Egyptian Space City is due to open in March or April 2022.
“Once the centre is complete, the assembly of MisrSat-2 will begin almost immediately”, he further explained.
Egypt’s ambitious plans for its space industry are in line with its strategy for sustainable development. The North African country is currently taking a leading role in developing the African Development Satellite that is to be manufactured by Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sudan and Uganda.
