Zimbabwe launches second satellite into space, and here is what it will do

moon and earth — Photo by Zelch Csaba on Pexels.com

Zimbabwe has launched its second observation satellite into space, the government has announced.

This was announced by the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Dr Fredetick Shava, during a post-cabinet briefing on Tuesday.

He said:

The nation is informed that Zimbabwe launched its second earth observation satellite, ZimSat-2, into orbit today 5th November 2024. The ZimSat-2 was launched from Vostochny Cosmodrome in Amu Oblast, Russia. The satellite was designed and manufactured through a collaborative research programme between [the Zimbabwe National Geo-Spatial and Space Agency] ZINGSA and Southwest State University (SWSU) in Kursk, Russia.

ZimSAT-2 was one of 53 small satellites launched.

Zimbabwean students at SWSU were involved in the collaboration along with ZINGSA engineers.

The satellite is expected to enhance national agricultural capabilities, environmental monitoring, disaster management, and resource mapping.

According to SpaceInAfrica, “ZIMSAT-2 will provide valuable insights into vegetation cover and overall crop vitality, offering data crucial for decision-making within Zimbabwe’s predominantly agricultural economy.”

It also adds that “ZIMSAT-2 will generate detailed urban maps, distinguishing structures, roads, vegetation, water bodies, and other critical infrastructure.”

You can watch the launch by clicking here

The Zimbabwe government says the investment is worth it.

Speaking to the media, Minister of Finance and Investment Promotion Prof Mthuli Ncube told the media, “The benefits of the satellite far exceed the cost of USD 600 000, in fact, 600 000 is efficient in the first place.”

Meanwhile, the government will upgrade the Mazowe Earth Station to unlock the capabilities of the new satellite. That work is expected to end on 20 November 2024.