Report on Kenya’s first satellite

By: Elvis Mboya

Kenya's first nanosatellite

Three months ago, Kenya launched its first nanosatellite, thrusting the country to the centre of cutting-edge technology which ushered the country into the hallowed ground of elite innovators in Africa.

The nanosatellite is a 10 cubic centimetre first outer space object registered by Kenya. The gadget consists of two commercial cameras and experimental web audio upload and broadcast, capable of limited earth observation and audio broadcast. Power is stored in two rechargeable battery packs and silicon solar panel, coupled with computer, communication system, GPS receiver and telemetry – an automated communications process by which measurements and other data are collected at remote or inaccessible points and transmitted to receiving equipment for monitoring.

During the launch of the technology dubbed Nanosatellite Precursor Flight (1KUNS-PF), also known as CubeSat, what it did not come out clearly is how the project will benefit the country. Now a report by the University of Nairobi says Kenya stands to reap big from the innovation. Such technologies, the report notes, have a variety of uses, pre-eminent of which is collecting useful data crucial for monitoring and managing its resources better.

The report shows that the technology conducts earth mapping, earth observation, land use and environ monitoring, weather forecasting, food security mapping and forecasting. It is also crucial for communication, disaster management, coastline and border monitoring, outer space observation, management of forests, livestock and wildlife monitoring and management.

The new technology was deployed into space by Japan’s aerospace exploration agency on 11 May and screened live at the University of Nairobi’s Chandaria Centre of performing arts auditorium.

“Our economy will become tech-driven. Reliable data will be for early warning systems and data marking. Weather data will be key in disaster preparation,” says the report

Kenya’s nanosatellite is the size of a soccer ball and is able to deliver a detailed imagery and information about a territory from space. This means technology advances have become smaller and cheaper, enabling developing countries such Kenya to cost-effectively collect troves of valuable data to be able to effectively manage its affairs and resources. Few years ago, the cost of developing such an advanced piece of technology was prohibitive to developing nations, making them a preserve of the wealthy West.

The UoN report shows that the nanosatellite proposal was first submitted on 31 March 2016 by Prof Mbuthia and Prof Heywood Ouma of department of electrical and information engineering, to the United Nations, Japan Cooperation Programme.

Following the submission of the proposal, UoN won a grant leading to the development of the 1KUNS-PF.

The report shows that depending on the mission goals for each year of the space program, the cost of design, manufacture, launch per minimum satellite and gradual setting up of the requisite laboratories require a financial commitment ranging from $500,000 to $1million (Sh100 million) annually.

“We are still doing more research to have bigger and better technologies in the country. This is just the beginning. When you come back here (University of Nairobi) in about one year from now, we will be able to show you bigger things that we have and the way forward,” said Prof Mbuthia who is also the dean, School of Engineering and Architecture, at the University of Nairobi.

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