Zimbabwe plans to launch third space satellite into earth obit: All you need to know

November 2022 saw Zimbabwe launch its very first space satellite into obit. This launch was managed by GK Launch Services as part of a commercial rideshare mission, lifting off from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia’s Amur Oblast. Zim plans to launch multiple satellites into orbit this year, including its third earth observation satellite, ZimSat-3, as part of ongoing efforts to harness space technology for national development. Like its predecessors, ZimSat-3 will enhance Zimbabwe’s capabilities in mineral exploration, environmental hazard monitoring, drought prediction and mapping human settlements.

The country is also developing several satellites focusing on improving ground communications, including the provision of satellite internet; drought prediction; and mapping human settlements.

Meanwhile, the communication satellites that are also under development aim to address everyday challenges, such as improving network coverage and internet access for citizens.

Zimbabwe launched its first satellite,ZimSat-1 in November 2022. It was deployed into orbit a month later, with the country joining an exclusive club of African states with a presence in space with the second satellite, ZimSat-2 following 2 years later. Click here to watch the launch.

Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) director-general Mr Painos Gweme confirmed to The Sunday Mail that work on several satellite programmes was underway.
“Indeed, we are working towards increasing the number of our satellites in orbit so that we move with time,” he said.

“However, take note that satellite design, manufacture, test and launch into space are not an event. There are several activities, processes and stakeholders involved. However, our goal is not simply to launch satellites into space but ensure that these satellites address the specific needs of Zimbabwe.

“For instance, we currently lack real-time earth observation capabilities that provide updated satellite images every five to six hours. This data is crucial for crop yield analysis, monitoring soil erosion and assessing environmental changes. Thus, we are currently working on ZimSat-3 and other satellites. These satellites are at various stages of production.”

Zimbabwe’s space programme, Mr Gweme said, was geared towards bringing tangible benefits to ordinary citizens.

“For our next satellite, we are prioritising practical applications that address people’s everyday needs,” he added.

“These needs don’t always require space science and technology, but where they do, we want to provide solutions. For example, people need reliable communication — network coverage, internet access and the ability to call each other. These are the kinds of challenges we aim to solve with our upcoming satellites.”
ZINGSA has also completed upgrading of the Mazowe Ground Control Station to support advanced frequency bands, enhancing the country’s satellite communication capabilities.
Among its many other activities, the agency is actively involved in surveying mining towns affected by illegal mining activities to ensure the safety of the public and infrastructure.

“We conducted a geophysical survey in Kwekwe in 2023 after an incident, when a classroom block at Globe and Phoenix Primary School collapsed into an underground shaft.
“The aim of the survey was to map underground tunnels and/or cracks in Kwekwe town and give recommendations on the safety of people and infrastructure as far as mining activities are concerned.

“The survey was done and communicated to the relevant authorities. ZINGSA is now scheduled to conduct other similar surveys in all mining towns in Zimbabwe.”

A study conducted using ZimSat-1 last year found a network of illegal mining tunnels going as deep as 1,5 kilometres in some parts of Kwekwe’s Central Business District and residential areas.

The study used high-tech geospatial mapping techniques that exposed an extensive network of tunnels ranging from 40 metres to around 1,5 kilometres in depth, which threaten the structural integrity of the ground and buildings above them.

It also detailed the tunnels’ detrimental effects on the city’s infrastructure and environment as a result of the proliferation of sinkholes and excessive ground vibrations from blasting.
ZimSat-2 was launched from Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Amu Oblast in Russia last year. The cubesat was designed and manufactured through a collaborative research programme between ZINGSA and the South West State University, one of the top public universities in Kursk, Russia.

ZINGSA engineers and students on the Presidential scholarship programme were part of the team that developed the satellite, from the mission design to the flight model.

ZimSat-2 monitors the earth using a multispectral camera with an 8-metre spatial resolution. It supports missions that monitor crop health, predicting yields and identifying nutrient deficiencies.

It also aids geological research, identifying potential mineral resources, while assisting in urban mapping by producing detailed maps of infrastructure and natural features.

While we are still miles behind from our American, European and Asian counterparts this is a good step in the right direction for African and Zimbabwean technology landscape.

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