EnduroSat, a Bulgarian aerospace company, has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) to develop BOTSAT-1, Botswana’s first software-defined satellite. Scheduled to launch on SpaceX’s Transporter-13 mission by February 2025, this initiative marks a significant milestone for Botswana’s technological advancement.
Engineers from BIUST will join forces with EnduroSat in Sofia to assemble and integrate BOTSAT-1, featuring a cutting-edge hyperspectral sensory camera payload. With a spatial resolution of 32 meters and a swath width of 32 meters at an altitude of 500 kilometers, the satellite is tailored to support Botswana’s mining and agricultural sectors.
Set for completion by August 2024, BOTSAT-1 underscores Botswana’s commitment to leveraging space technology for sustainable development and economic growth. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 will facilitate the satellite’s launch logistics and ensure rigorous testing, ensuring seamless deployment and operational readiness.
Raycho Raychev, Founder and CEO of EnduroSat, commended BIUST’s strategic vision and commitment to building a robust space program. This partnership extends beyond satellite development, aiming to establish Botswana as a regional space hub and foster expertise through educational exchanges and a new Master’s program in space engineering and technology.
Botswana’s entry into satellite technology positions it among the 16 African nations with satellites in orbit, reflecting a broader trend of technological advancement across the continent. This initiative aligns with Botswana’s aspirations to join the African Space Agency, signaling its ambition to lead in space exploration and research.
Join us in celebrating Botswana’s journey into space innovation and its pivotal partnership with EnduroSat. Together, we’re shaping the future of technology and sustainable development in Africa and beyond. 🌌🌱💡 #BotswanaSpace #EnduroSat #BOTSAT1 #SpaceInnovation #SustainableDevelopment #SpaceTechnology
