Zimbabwe to Launch Third Satellite to Enhance Agricultural and Technological Support

Zimbabwe plans to launch its third satellite, ZimSat-3, to support agriculture and technology. The Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) is also developing communication satellites to enhance connectivity. The country seeks to address the lack of timely satellite imagery, crucial for monitoring ecological and agricultural conditions.

Zimbabwe is set to launch its third satellite, ZimSat-3, aimed at enhancing technological capabilities and supporting agricultural practices. The initiative is spearheaded by the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA), which is also developing new communication satellites to strengthen internet and phone connectivity across the nation. Painos Gweme, the agency’s leader, emphasized the importance of achieving tangible results through satellite deployment rather than merely for symbolic purposes.

Currently, Zimbabwe lacks access to timely satellite imagery, which is crucial for monitoring crop health, assessing soil erosion, and examining environmental changes. The forthcoming ZimSat-3 is part of a broader initiative that includes multiple satellite projects at varying stages of development. Notably, ZimSat-2 launched its mission in November 2024, having faced delays due to scheduling issues.

Moreover, Zimbabwe’s first satellite, ZimSat-1, was successfully launched in November 2022 and is utilized for monitoring drought conditions, analyzing mining operations, and collecting vital data from its control station situated in Mazowe. To enhance the functionality of its growing space program, Zimbabwe has upgraded this control station, enabling it to communicate using advanced satellite signals.

The government views the advancement of its space program as a pivotal move towards modernization, ultimately aimed at bolstering local industries. Furthermore, authorities are optimistic that satellite technology will assist in monitoring illegal mining activities, which pose environmental hazards and threaten community well-being.

In summary, Zimbabwe’s forthcoming launch of ZimSat-3 underscores its commitment to utilizing satellite technology for agricultural and technological advancement. The country’s space agency is dedicated to addressing pressing challenges through improved satellite imagery and communication systems. The successful deployment of ZimSat-1 and ZimSat-2 reflects significant progress, paving the way for a more modern and responsive agricultural sector while aiming to mitigate illegal mining activities.

Original Source: globalsouthworld.com