Last Saturday, at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, Botswana carved its name into the eternal scrolls of space exploration with the historic launch of its first-ever satellite, BotSat-1.
This was a clear and bold declaration to the world, that our country is ready to embrace the limitless possibilities of space technology and claim its rightful place among progressive nations investing in the final frontier.
At 8:30 a.m. local time, the air crackled with anticipation as the reality of the countdown kicked in. Botswana’s 3U hyperspectral Earth Observation satellite lay, securely nestled among 73 other satellites, inside the towering SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket as it stood poised on the launchpad, its sleek 70-metre tall phallic-shaped body trembling with barely contained white-hot fury.
Eight minutes later, the air grew even thicker with suspense as the countdown to the final ten seconds began. Eyes widened, pulses quickened, and time seemed to stretch, each second dragging like an eternity. "T-minus 10, 9, 8..." The voice over the loudspeaker was calm, but the crowd of spectators, composed of scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts could barely contain their excitement. All eyes were glued to the towering rocket on the launchpad.
Conspicuously positioned among the spectators at the viewing site about 10km from the launchpad were the Vice Chancellor of the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) Professor Otlogetswe Totolo, and the BotSat-1 Project Lead Dr. Dimane Mpoeleng. A cold, gnawing dread coiled itself deep within their guts, tightening with every passing second, as their minds raced through endless possibilities, each one an exhilarating but fleeting shadow of hope or a lingering and unnerving spectre of failure.
The tension was palpable. "7, 6, 5..." Still and video cameras clicked, and smartphones were raised to capture the historic moment. All faces lit with elation. Seasoned engineers exchanged knowing glances, aware of the countless hours of painstaking planning that had led to this moment of excellence and glory.
The final seconds trickled by, each one a torturous delay to the inevitable. "4, 3, 2, 1..." With an earth-shattering roar, the engines ignited, spewing an inferno of white-hot fire and thick plumes of smoke that billowed into the sky. The ground quaked beneath the sheer force of propulsion, sending shockwaves through the air as the rocket clawed its way upward, piercing through the atmosphere with a fiery tail stretching behind it like a comet.
Doubt turned to belief, anxiety to exhilaration, fear to triumph, and gasps to cheers, as hands shielded eyes against the blinding light, and for a fleeting moment, as the rocket gathered speed, every heartbeat in the crowd pounded in unison with the rhythmic thrust of the engines carrying Botswana’s first-ever satellite, BotSat-1, into the boundless expanse of space. Time seemed to stand still as the rocket pierced the atmosphere, leaving behind a trail of awe and inspiration. As the sound faded and the rocket disappeared from view, the crowd remained transfixed, their faces reflecting a mix of pride, joy, contentment and inner calm.
As the cheers subsided, Professor Totolo managed to compose himself. He took a single, deliberate step closer to Dr. Mpoeleng, his movements slow and weighted with the gravity of the moment. Without a word, he pulled his colleague into a tight, heartfelt embrace, the kind that transcends mere congratulations and speaks instead of shared struggle, sleepless nights, and the sense of definitive accomplishment derived from the fulfilment of a dream religiously pursued with constant and consistent vigour.
When he leaned in, his voice was barely a whisper, trembling with emotion, yet carrying the weight of a thousand triumphs and trials. “Success at last,” he said, the words escaping like a long-held breath. “We made it Doc!” His eyes, glistening with unshed tears, reflected the fiery glow of the rocket’s ascent, now a distant streak of light in the heavens. In that moment, the several years of setbacks, the countless hours of labour, and the weight of expectation, all instantly dissolved into pure, unadulterated joy.
It was more than a celebration of a satellite launch; it was the culmination of a journey that had tested their team’s resolve, resilience and ingenuity. And as the echoes of the rocket’s roar faded into the vast expanse above, the two men stood there, bound by a common understanding; Botswana had not just reached for the stars, it had touched them. BIUST’s collaboration with EnduroSat, a Bulgarian space-tech outfit, had finally paid off in a big way!
This groundbreaking milestone marks not just a technological leap but a profound statement of intent, Botswana is no longer content to watch from the sidelines as the world advances into the cosmos. The launch, executed in collaboration with SpaceX, has sent ripples of excitement across the nation and the African continent, symbolising a bold step toward a future where innovation, science, and technology drive economic growth and national pride. For a country often celebrated for its diamond wealth and wildlife conservation, BotSat-1 represents a significant transition toward diversifying its economy and embracing the transformative potential of space technology. The satellite is more than just a piece of hardware orbiting the Earth, it is a sign of purpose-driven scientific and technological advancement.
Our investment in space is not merely an indulgence in scientific curiosity, it is a strategic necessity. In a world where space is increasingly becoming the next frontier for economic and strategic advantage, Botswana’s entry into the space race is both timely and necessary. The satellite will serve multiple purposes. Space-based technology is a strategic pillar of modern economic development, underpinning industries such as telecommunications, precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, disaster management, urban planning and security.
For a country grappling with the challenges of climate change, water scarcity, and food security, the data harvested by BotSat-1 will be invaluable. It will enable policymakers to make informed decisions, optimise resource allocation, and mitigate risks. With our vast tracts of land, mineral wealth, and rich biodiversity, we stand to benefit immensely from satellite-generated data. The ability to monitor climate change, manage natural resources, optimise farming practices, and enhance disaster response mechanisms makes space investment not just beneficial but imperative.
As in all things of profound national significance, the launch of BotSat-1 naturally created a tidal wave of excitement among our compatriots. The project, initiated under the leadership of former President Mokgweetsi Masisi, found a steadfast champion in President Duma Boko. Upon assuming office, Boko was briefed on the project and immediately recognised its transformative potential. His decision to travel to the US to witness the launch firsthand, despite the fluidity of the launch schedule, conclusively demonstrated his full commitment to Botswana’s space ambitions.
While the launch ultimately occurred a few days after the president’s return, his presence in the US, together with the Minister of Higher Education Prince Maele, and the Minister of Communications and Innovation David Tshere, was far from a wasted effort. It illustrated the importance of the project at the highest levels of government and sent an unambiguous message from the highest office in the land to the international community; Botswana is not merely dabbling in space technology; it is committed to building a solid space programme.
To appreciate the magnitude of Botswana’s achievement, it is essential to contextualise it within the global space landscape. The United States has launched over 3,300 satellites into space, with other major players like Russia and China each surpassing 1,500. On the African continent, countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Kenya have already ventured into space, deploying satellites for research, communication, and environmental monitoring. Botswana cannot afford to lag behind in this race. Our entry into this exclusive club is a declaration that we refuse to be left behind in the global race for space supremacy, though we are content with sticking to our lane and moving at a pace that is consistent with our capacity.
The successful launch of BotSat-1, the 65th satellite to be launched into space by African countries, is not mission accomplished; it is mission initiated. The real work begins now. The true test lies in the tracking of the satellite, interpreting its data, and translating that information into actionable insights. Engineers and scientists at BIUST, the driving force behind this initiative, must rise to the occasion and actively harvest the wealth of data BotSat-1 will provide. This data, if effectively analysed and commercialised, could serve as a springboard for economic diversification, a strategic goal that Botswana has long sought to realise.
Remote sensing data from BotSat-1 could be monetised by offering services to industries reliant on geographic information systems including mining and agriculture. Precision farming, for instance, could benefit from real-time soil moisture analysis, allowing farmers to optimise irrigation and improve yields. Wildlife conservation efforts could be bolstered through satellite tracking of endangered species and monitoring of poaching activities. Additionally, Botswana could offer satellite-based services to neighbouring countries that lack similar capabilities, positioning itself as a regional leader in space technology.
The commercialisation of BotSat-1’s data presents a unique opportunity to diversify Botswana’s economy. By partnering with private sector players and regional governments, we can create new revenue streams and job opportunities in fields such as data analysis, software development, and satellite technology. This aligns perfectly with the national strategy of reducing dependence on diamonds and fostering a knowledge-based economy. History is replete with examples of nations that launched satellites only for their space programmes to stagnate due to a lack of follow-through. After the initial euphoria of launching their first satellites, some countries struggled with limited funding, inadequate expertise, and a lack of clear long-term vision.
Nigeria was one of the pioneers in Africa's space race, launching its first satellite, NigeriaSat-1, in 2003. Despite this early success, the country has faced numerous challenges in sustaining its space programme. Funding has been inconsistent, often subject to political shifts and economic pressures. Additionally, over-reliance on foreign expertise and technology hindered the development of local capacity. While Nigeria has launched subsequent satellites, the lack of a sustainable and dynamic long-term strategy has limited the programme's potential to drive significant socio-economic benefits.
South Africa launched its first satellite, SUNSAT, in 1999. However, the country's space programme has struggled with funding and strategic direction. The South African National Space Agency was established in 2010 to coordinate space activities, but it has faced budgetary constraints and bureaucratic challenges. The lack of a cohesive long-term vision has resulted in missed opportunities to leverage space technology for national development. Ghana entered the space arena with the launch of GhanaSat-1 in 2017. However, the country has faced difficulties in scaling up its space ambitions, largely due to limited funding and inadequate specialised infrastructure.
Botswana can draw valuable lessons from these experiences. To avoid similar pitfalls, it is crucial to secure consistent funding, invest in local expertise by building a pipeline of skilled professionals in space science and technology, develop a clear long-term vision through a comprehensive national space policy that aligns with broader socio-economic development goals, and foster international collaboration through partnerships with established space agencies and institutions to leverage expertise and resources, and attract funding while building local capacity. Surely, we need to chart a sustainable path forward, ensuring that our space programme not only achieves initial success but also delivers lasting benefits for the nation.
We need to resist the temptation to relegate our space ambitions to mere symbolism. It is not enough to simply put a satellite in orbit, the real challenge lies in building sustainable infrastructure, investing in human capital, and fostering public-private partnerships to ensure continuous innovation and expansion of the space programme. And we need to integrate space technology into periodic national development plans.
The support of President Boko and his administration as well as future ones will be crucial in sustaining the momentum of Botswana’s space ambitions. Space programmes are long-term endeavours that require sustained investment, policy continuity, and resolute international collaborations. The government must create an enabling environment by prioritising STEM education, establishing partnerships with global space agencies, and incentivising private sector involvement.
The involvement of the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, the Special Economic Zones Authority and the Botswana Innovation and Digital Hub will prove to be invaluable. Their expertise in fostering investment, driving economic growth, and creating enabling environments for innovation will play a seminal role in ensuring the success and sustainability of Botswana’s space programme.
Additionally, we cannot afford to play in the lowest league in space exploration. The global space industry is currently valued at over $500 billion and is projected to grow exponentially. If Botswana is to future-proof its economy, it must leverage space technology as a driver of innovation and industrial transformation.
For us to truly capitalise on this initial investment, BotSat-1 must be the first in a series of increasingly sophisticated satellites, each with a clear mission aligned with national priorities. We must continue counting upward, BotSat-1, BotSat2, BotSat3, and beyond. Each number in this sequence will represent not just a satellite, but a milestone in Botswana’s journey toward becoming a force to reckon with in space technology and innovation.
These numbers will serve as stepping stones and tell a story of progress, each one building on the success of its trailblazing predecessor, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Not only that, but we also need to reflect deeply on the establishment of a state-owned entity acronymed BOSA; the Botswana Space Agency, mandated among other things to advance space science, technology, and innovation through research, satellite development, and Earth observation.
Let BotSat-1 be the beginning of a legacy. A legacy that inspires future generations to dream bigger, aim higher, and continue counting upward, one satellite at a time. No doubt the launch of BotSat-1 has captured the imagination of the nation. From the BIUST community in Palapye to ordinary citizens inhabiting the far-flung corners of the country’s expanse, there is a pervasive sense of achievement and pride. Well done Team BIUST! This project, though spearheaded by BIUST, belongs to all Batswana. It is a national endeavour that transcends institutional boundaries and unites the country in a common vision of progress.
With BotSat-1, the nation has taken its first step into the cosmos, and the journey has only just begun. As the satellite orbits above, a new era dawns below. The challenge is to ensure that this milestone is not a flukish one-off spectacle, but the foundation of a thriving space industry. We need to be fully committed to maintaining the momentum, building on this success, and ensuring that space technology becomes a key pillar of Botswana’s development strategy. The journey ahead will be challenging, but with the right leadership, investment, and determination, Botswana has the potential to become a regional powerhouse in space technology. For now, as a nation we can with utmost conviction collectively say, the sky is not the limit, it is just the beginning.
