In recent years, Egypt has been making significant strides in the field of space technology and exploration.
In recent years, Egypt has been making significant strides in the field of space technology and exploration - Press Photo
Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly has met with Dr. Sherif Sedky, the CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency, to discuss several agency initiatives.
The meeting delved into the progress of tests conducted on EgyptSat-2, the nation's recently acquired satellite, at the Assembly, Integration, and Testing Center located in the New Administrative Capital.
These tests encompassed electrical evaluations, dynamic load simulations on the satellite model, and the Egyptian component (CFI), in addition to electromagnetic compatibility tests and space environment simulations. It is worth noting the considerable expertise gained by Egyptian professionals through the execution of these operations in collaboration with Chinese experts.
During the meeting, the CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency announced that EgyptSat-2 is scheduled to launch in October 2023 from a launch site in China.
He highlighted that the satellite is designed to achieve various sustainable development objectives. Moreover, he emphasized the significant benefits derived from Egypt's involvement, such as the collaboration between Egyptian and Chinese teams in the design, assembly, testing, and launch of the MiniSat remote sensing satellite.
Additionally, the successful development of a local communication unit, along with Egypt's participation in satellite assembly and testing, has instilled confidence in the center, encouraging regional countries to utilize it for similar satellite projects. Furthermore, Egyptian experts will participate in the satellite's launch and testing in orbit.
The CEO also revealed the Egyptian agency's plan to establish a satellite constellation, aiming to enhance Egypt's leading role in technology and space sciences in Africa.
This initiative also seeks to activate the African Space Agency by involving various African nations in a space project aligned with the African Union's development goals for 2063. Additionally, the Egyptian Space Agency aims to function as an economic entity, offering specialized services in satellite design, assembly, integration, testing, and high-resolution imaging.
The meeting further discussed the agency's near-term space missions (2022-2025), including the experimental satellite Neksat-1, which arrived in Egypt successfully after completing all tests in Germany in May 2023. Budgetary requests for ongoing agency projects were also addressed, with the Prime Minister urging the relevant authorities to expedite the necessary funding for these projects.
In recent years, Egypt has been making significant strides in the field of space technology and exploration.
The establishment of the Egyptian Space Agency and the acquisition of EgyptSat-2 represent major milestones in the country's journey toward developing its space industry.
These initiatives reflect Egypt's commitment to harnessing the potential of space science and technology for the nation's development and to play an active role in the African space sector.
With the launch of EgyptSat-2 and the envisioned satellite constellation, Egypt aims to enhance its scientific capabilities, promote regional cooperation, and contribute to the advancement of sustainable development goals in Africa.
