Botswana has achieved a historic milestone by successfully launching its first satellite, BOTSAT-1, into orbit. The satellite was launched aboard a SpaceX rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, at approximately 600 kilometers altitude.
Developed by engineers from the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), BOTSAT-1 is equipped with a hyperspectral camera payload. This technology will provide high-resolution images of the Earth's surface, offering valuable data to support various sectors, including environmental monitoring, agriculture, disaster response, and urban planning.
The satellite is expected to orbit the Earth six times daily, continuously gathering and transmitting data. A ground station has been established to receive and store this information, enabling policymakers to access precise data for strategic planning.
This launch marks a significant step in Botswana's efforts to harness space technology for national development, showcasing the country's growing technical expertise and potential to build a robust space program.