BOTSAT‑1
| Mission type | Earth observation technology demonstrator |
|---|---|
| Operator | Botswana International University of Science and Technology |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | Botswana International University of Science and Technology EnduroSat |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 4 March 2024 |
| Rocket | Falcon 9 (Transporter-10) |
| Launch site | Vandenberg Space Force Base |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Low Earth orbit |
BOTSAT-1 is an Earth observation and technology demonstration satellite operated by the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST). It is Botswana's first satellite and forms part of the country's efforts to develop domestic space technology capabilities.[1]
The satellite was launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California as part of a rideshare mission.[2]
Background
BOTSAT-1 was developed by engineers at BIUST as part of a national initiative to build scientific and engineering capacity in satellite technology.[3][4][5]
Launch
The satellite was launched from SpaceX launch facilities in California aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.[6] The launch marked Botswana's entry into the group of African countries operating satellites.[7][8][9]
Mission
BOTSAT-1 operates in low Earth orbit and is used for Earth observation research and technology demonstration.[10][11][12]
References
- ^ "Botswana enters space age with launch of satellite". African Press Agency. 19 March 2025. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ "Botswana launches its first satellite". Developing Telecoms. 10 March 2025. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ "Botswana launches its first satellite". CIO Africa. 10 March 2025. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ "Botswana enters space age with BOTSAT-1 satellite launch". ITWeb Africa. 7 March 2025. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ "BOTSAT's success story: A blueprint for emerging space nations". Space in Africa. 19 February 2025. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ "Botswana launches its first satellite". Developing Telecoms. 10 March 2025. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ "Botswana enters space age with launch of satellite". African Press Agency. 19 March 2025. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ "Botswana joins space leaders with BOTSAT-1 launch". Daily News Botswana. 3 March 2025. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ "Botswana's first satellite launch a model for African countries". Africa Defense Forum Magazine. 11 August 2025. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ "Botswana launches its first satellite". Developing Telecoms. 10 March 2025. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ "Botswana enters space age with launch of satellite". African Press Agency. 19 March 2025. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ^ "BOTSAT's success story: A blueprint for emerging space nations". Space in Africa. 19 February 2025. Retrieved 2 March 2026.