Uganda’s lone satellite, named PearlAfricaSat-1, has been taken out of space just over a year after its launch into orbit. Science and Technology Minister Dr. Monica Musenero announced on Thursday, December 28, that the satellite had been deorbited.
“The satellite, during its 13-month orbit, was not capable of performing communication functions such as satellite TV or internet. It primarily took pictures for creating geographical maps,” explained Musenero.
Elon Musk, the founder of X (formerly Twitter) and currently the world’s richest man, has expressed interest in establishing a satellite in East Africa, specifically in Tanzania. Musk’s company, Starlink, aims to provide high-speed broadband internet in remote areas. The Tanzanian government’s approval for Starlink’s operating license is pending, as the company needs to obtain spectrum rights and comply with local telecommunications and data protection regulations.
Musk’s vision for Starlink in Eastern Africa, particularly in Tanzania, is to enhance information access and contribute to a better future for the region. If approved, the satellite network could revolutionize internet and mobile telecommunications, offering high-speed, low-latency connections in rural areas and competitive prices in urban centers.
Minister Musenero informed Parliament that Uganda’s satellite faced funding shortages, requiring five billion shillings, which were not allocated in the current financial year. The funds were intended for equipment setup, a research laboratory, a command center at the Mpoma Satellite Station in Mukono district, and piloting satellite data for economic benefit.
Despite the setback, Musenero emphasized the importance of having eyes in space for weather monitoring and disaster identification. She highlighted the need for additional satellites to complement the country’s capabilities.
Uganda’s first satellite, PearlAfricaSat-1, was successfully launched into orbit from the International Space Station in November 2022. Developed by three Ugandan engineers in Japan with technical assistance from the Kyushu Institute of Technology, the satellite aimed to monitor weather, disasters, map mineral wealth, and generate critical data for Uganda.
In the context of economic growth, science, technology, and innovation play pivotal roles. While Uganda has invested in supporting innovators and scientists, challenges persist in translating ideas into marketable products. Many prototypes remain unused in universities and research institutions due to a lack of understanding on how to convert these innovations into viable enterprises.
