• The Namibian Infrastructure Development and Investment Fund (NIDIF) has given the green light for the country’s Space Port Project.
• Q-KON Namibia has been chosen to spearhead the project as the country aims to enter new era of satellite communications.
• It will give Namibia a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) network of connectivity akin to that of Starlink, OneWeb, or Project Kuiper.

Namibia could soon become a key player in the satellite communications sector within the SADC region after the country’s Infrastructure Development and Investment Fund (NIDIF) gave the green light for the Space Port Project.

Before you start thinking that Namibia will be sending aeronauts into space, the Space Port Project is specifically aimed at enhancing the country’s satellite communications.

The Space Port Project is being spearheaded by Q-KON Namibia, as it marks a significant milestone for the country.

“The Namibia Space Port represents a monumental stride towards harnessing the vast potential of space technology for the growth of Namibia and Africa’s communication capabilities,” noted Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Emma Theofelus.

“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 Space Port will make our country a worthy player in the African space arena,” she added.

Moving forward, Q-KON will assist in the deployment of a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, akin to what we have seen launched recently by the likes of Starlink, OneWeb, and Project Kuiper. The company notes that the LEO industry is growing rapidly, with it currently having 36 projects underway that comprises a planned launch of roughly 63 418 satellites. 

Outlining some of the services that the Space Port Project aims to deliver, Q-KON highlighted the following:

• “Ground Gateway Terminal Hosting: It will offer essential infrastructure for hosting LEO constellation Ground Gateway Terminals like providing the land for the antenna farm, civil works, fibre connectivity and power, as well as facilities monitoring, equipment hosting, infrastructure services and on-demand first line support services.

• Earth Observation Downlink Services: The project will enable orbiting satellites to download vital data and images, advancing earth observation capabilities and scientific research. High-resolution images from satellites will be made available to schools and universities, offering a valuable resource for educational purposes. For instance, students can analyse changes in land use, monitor deforestation, or track the effects of climate change on various ecosystems.

• Tracking, Telemetry, and Control (TT&C): Essential for effective global satellite operations, the Space Port will become a crucial part of the African network of TT&C stations that monitor and control satellites in orbit over the continent, bolstering communication networks worldwide.”

While a precise kick off date for the Project has not been detailed, Q-KON did confirm that, “the next steps are anticipated to be announced in the coming months.”

[Image – Photo by Harrison Broadbent on Unsplash]