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    HomeNewsZimbabwe successfully launches second satelite

    Zimbabwe successfully launches second satelite

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    Zimbabwe on Tuesday announced the successful launch into orbit of its second satellite, ZIMSAT –2, marking another milestone in the country’s space program.

    The country in November 2022 deployed its inaugural satellite, ZimSat-1.

    In a statement, Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Dr Fredrick Shava said ZIMSAT – 2 was successfully launched aboard the Soyuz-2.1 spacecraft at 1 AM from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia.

    ZIMSAT-2 is a Low Earth Observation (LEO) satellite that builds upon the legacy of ZIMSAT-1 with enhanced capabilities.

    It is expected to significantly improve the country’s geospatial data collection and analysis capabilities, marking an important step forward
    in Zimbabwe’s technological advancement.

    “The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development is pleased to report that ZIMSAT-2 is now in orbit, and initial telemetry (health of the satellite) data confirm that all subsystems are functioning optimally.

    This remarkable achievement represents a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s journey into space technology, underscoring our commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation for national development,” said Dr Shava.

    “The successful launch of ZIMSAT-2 is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our scientists, engineers, the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA), and international collaborators.

    This satellite will enhance our agricultural capabilities, environmental monitoring, disaster management, and resource mapping, ultimately improving our national wellbeing.”

    The development of satellites has also contributed to capacity building, as Zimbabwean engineers actively participated in designing and building ZIMSAT-2, he said, adding that while for ZIMSAT-1, Zimbabwe had two master’s graduates and one PhD graduate who completed their studies, ZIMSAT-2 involved contributions from PhD students currently studying in Russia.

    “Capacity development is vital, as our goal is to eventually build our satellites here in Zimbabwe.

    This initiative aligns with our Education 5.0 framework, which promotes heritage-based learning and supports innovations,” he said.

    Dr Shava, who briefed Cabinet about the milestone, said ZimSat-2 was designed for earth observations and data collection in agriculture, environmental protection and natural resource management.

    It will monitor the earth and support missions that keep track of crop health, predict yields and identify nutrient deficiencies using modern technologies that demonstrate high efficiency and reliability in the development of the country as its people work towards Vision 2030.

    New Ziana

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