Namibia Spaceport approved by Eos Capital, led by Q-KON Namibia, to boost satellite communication, enhance digital inclusion, and foster economic growth. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The Namibia Spaceport project has received approval from Eos Capital, managers of the Namibia Infrastructure Development and Investment Fund (NIDIF) 

Spearheaded by Q-KON Namibia, this innovative initiative signifies a major step forward for the country.

The project, known as the Namibia Spaceport, while not a traditional spaceport, will serve as a crucial hub for satellite communication networks, providing ground infrastructure and advanced services to global satellite operators. It will offer the following select services:

1) Ground Gateway Terminal Hosting: This involves providing essential infrastructure for hosting Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation Ground Gateway Terminals. It includes land for antenna farms, civil works, fiber connectivity, power supply, facilities monitoring, equipment hosting, infrastructure services, and on-demand first-line support services.

2) Earth Observation Downlink Services: The project will facilitate the downloading of crucial data and images from orbiting satellites, enhancing earth observation capabilities and scientific research. Additionally, it will provide access to high-resolution satellite images in schools and universities, serving as a valuable educational resource. Students can utilise these images to analyze changes in land use, monitor deforestation, or study the impacts of climate change on various ecosystems.

3) Tracking, Telemetry, and Control (TT&C): The Spaceport will play a vital role in the African network of TT&C stations. These stations monitor and control satellites orbiting over the continent.

Fostering Namibian Innovation

“We anticipate announcing the next steps in the coming months,” remarked Dr Dawie de Wet, CEO of Q-KON.

Namibia’s minister of information and communications technology, Emma Theofelus, stated, "The Namibia Spaceport represents a monumental stride towards harnessing the vast potential of space technology for the growth of Namibia and Africa’s communication capabilities." She also noted that this project is a key component of Namibia’s National Space Science and Technology Policy, which was launched in June 2021.

“The project shows Namibia’s commitment to space exploration, innovation, and sustainable development. With a strategic focus on collaboration, capacity building, and technological advancement, the Namibia Spaceport will make our country a worthy player in the African space arena,” Theofelus explained.

Frederico Van Wyk, chief investment officer of Eos Capital, emphasised that approving the Namibia Spaceport project highlights their dedication to enhancing digital inclusion and connectivity throughout the country, promoting economic growth and innovation in Namibia. This investment aligns with NIDIF’s broader strategy to develop the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector in the nation.

“This landmark initiative aligns with Eos Capital’s mission to facilitate strategic investments that propel Namibia into the future and earn positive returns to investors,” Van Wyk added.

Eutelsat's first LEO satellite generation earns platinum SSR rating, underscoring its commitment to sustainable space operations. (Image source: Eutelsat Group)

Eutelsat Group has announced that its first generation of over 600 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites has earned a platinum rating in the Space Sustainability Rating (SSR), highlighting the company's strong commitment to responsible space usage 

Initially conceived at the World Economic Forum (WEF), the SSR aims to mitigate space debris creation, minimise satellite collision risks, and ensure safe and sustainable space operations.

An international consortium, including experts from the European Space Agency, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, BryceTech, and the University of Texas at Austin, developed the rating methodology. The SSR is implemented by eSpace – EPFL Space Center, which aims to recognise and encourage sustainable practices in the space industry.

The SSR evaluates six modules: Mission Index (impact of spacecraft on operational risk), Collision Avoidance Capabilities, Data Sharing, Detectability, Identification and Trackability, Application of Design and Operation Standards, and the use of future External Services.

Eutelsat Group surpassed the 80% threshold to achieve the highest-level platinum rating, demonstrating the Group’s dedication to sustainable design and operation of its satellite constellation.

"With our increased presence in both LEO and geostationary orbit (GEO), we remain committed to the sustainable and responsible use of space” said Eva Berneke, CEO of Eutelsat Group. “We are honoured to receive SSR’s recognition and congratulations to the entire team for their hard work and dedication to sustainable and safe operations."

NTT DATA MEA launches LEO-based connectivity for key sectors, ensuring reliable and enhanced network performance, driving business transformation. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

NTT DATA Middle East and Africa, a leading digital business and IT services provider, has launched Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) based connectivity services for nine key clients across various sectors, including retail, banking, mining, and logistics

These services are designed to improve network performance and deliver a consistent and enhanced client experience.

NTT DATA’s investment in LEO satellite services addresses the challenges posed by frequent disruptions caused by fibre cable breaks or power outages (such as load shedding). By leveraging LEO technology, the company ensures a more reliable and continuous connection for businesses throughout the region. While NTT DATA has been offering satellite services for over a decade, their integrated GEO-LEO solution, combined with existing fibre and wireless alternatives, significantly enhances performance. This improvement benefits multiple use-cases, including access to latency-sensitive applications and real-time services like video conferencing.

Unlike some competitors who have recently announced partnerships for satellite technology, NTT DATA has taken a vertical approach, focusing on targeted deployments for key clients in specific industries. Their commitment to deploying this solution underscores their dedication to providing reliable connectivity solutions tailored to the unique needs of businesses in the Middle East and Africa

Greg Hatfield, vice-president of infrastructure solutions at NTT DATA explained, “Our approach is to provide LEO-based connectivity solutions using industry specific full-stack architecture. This enables business transformation for our clients, as opposed to simply connecting their locations. The enhanced attributes of LEO only reach their full potential when used in an integrated infrastructure and application ecosystem tailored to the requirements of the organisation. Our strategy has always been to use the breadth and depth of our expertise as NTT DATA to deliver more than just a different flavour of connectivity.”

NTT DATA’s LEO Satellite Services: A holistic approach

While the Middle East and Africa benefit from traditional communication technologies like fiber and wireless, there’s a renewed interest in satellite services, particularly those leveraging Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. NTT DATA, as a comprehensive IT services provider, seamlessly integrates LEO satellite offerings into their holistic technology approach for client success. Their vendor-agnostic stance ensures tailored solutions that address regulatory complexities, risk management, and seamless integration across the region.

“Addressing the unique needs of our clients demands a tailored approach. Our aim is to ensure that LEO satellite is an option for our clients, no matter where they are on the continent,” continued Hatfield. “As specialist aggregators and integrators we can go all the way up their stack to integrate LEO-based connectivity solutions into any other element of their infrastructure.”

LEO-based connectivity solutions offer many benefits including lower latency and improved coverage, marking an exciting step towards connecting every business, everywhere. “We are incredibly excited to have already started the deployment of this transformative satellite technology to our clients. It aligns perfectly with our vision of leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive business transformation. More than that though, it provides a safeguard for our clients that ensures their businesses are appropriately connected at all times, helping them to compete and win,” concluded Hatfield.

Yahsat partners with SATCOM Technologies to deliver advanced satellite communications solutions in Zimbabwe. (Image source: GITEX Africa)

Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), the UAE's premier satellite solutions provider, has entered into a partnership with SATCOM Technologies to explore fresh satellite communications prospects in Zimbabwe

This collaboration marks a significant stride in Yahsat's ongoing expansion across the African continent, facilitating pivotal economic sectors, governmental bodies, and organizations to leverage satellite connectivity. Yahsat's strategic alliance with SATCOM Technologies aims to bolster its footprint in Africa, with a shared objective of closely engaging with the Zimbabwe Government. Operations are slated to commence in June.

Under the service partner agreement, Yahsat and SATCOM Technologies will combine their expertise to pursue government initiatives by delivering innovative, dependable, and efficient satellite-driven connectivity solutions tailored to Zimbabwe's national imperatives and developmental aspirations, potentially revolutionising the country's connectivity and technological landscape.

The partnership seeks to address the escalating demands of diverse sectors including mining, agriculture, healthcare, and education.

Sulaiman Al Ali, chief commercial officer of Yahsat, remarked, "We are proud to partner with SATCOM Technologies to deliver our cutting-edge satellite connectivity solutions to Zimbabwe. This strategic partnership is a testament to our commitment to enhancing connectivity across the continent, supporting the digital transformation journey of African nations, and improving access to essential services for all."

Tafadzwa Collins Semu, CEO of SATCOM Technologies, said, "We are excited to join forces with Yahsat to unlock the immense potential of satellite connectivity in Zimbabwe. Our partnership will play a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide, fostering economic growth, and enabling access to vital services for our communities."

Yahsat's innovative and advanced solutions have been embraced across numerous African nations, bolstering economic progress and facilitating connectivity in areas previously underserved or unserved. This role is anticipated to be further strengthened with the forthcoming launch of the Thuraya 4 satellite later this year.

The next-generation satellite will extend coverage and advanced services to the African continent, heralding a new era of connectivity. The collaboration with SATCOM Technologies reaffirms Yahsat's commitment to empowering digital transformation across the continent, facilitating crucial services such as telemedicine and e-learning.

Yahsat is currently showcasing its cutting-edge satellite communications solutions at GITEX Africa 2024, in Marrakech, Morocco, from 29 to 31 May.