In March, the BOTSAT-1 satellite blasted off into space aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 heavy rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base, USA. It was a historic moment for Botswana's nascent space ambitions, but only just the beginning.
Up next on the agenda is BOTSAT-2, a national space agency, and several other initiatives, according to BOTSAT project lead Dr Dimane Mpoeleng. Dr Mpoeleng spoke to BW TechZone about the program's progress so far and what's on the pipeline.
What does the successful launch of BOTSAT-1 represent for Botswana’s scientific and technological future?
The launch of BOTSAT-1 marks Botswana’s formal entry into the global spacefaring community. It’s more than a satellite; it symbolises the nation’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to frontier technologies. This achievement demonstrates that with the right vision, partnerships, and investment in human capital, Botswana can play a significant role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and beyond.
How does Botswana plan to transition from this milestone to a sustainable and independent space program?
The focus now is on institutionalising space science through policy, infrastructure, and skills development. Botswana is working toward establishing a national space agency, expanding the use of our satellite ground station, and cultivating homegrown expertise through targeted postgraduate scholarships. We’re also forming strategic partnerships to support downstream services like data analytics, AI, and applications in national development sectors.
Can you walk us through how the partnership with Endurosat for the BOTSAT-1 project came along?
Endurosat, based in Bulgaria, was identified after a rigorous selection process focused on technical competence, cost-efficiency, and its educational support model. What made them stand out was their modular satellite platform and their commitment to capacity building—allowing Batswana engineers to join their team for satellite integration and testing in Sofia.
What were some of the most valuable lessons your team learned from collaborating with international partners on BOTSAT-1?
Collaboration across time zones, cultures, and technical languages taught us the value of structured project management and cross-border teamwork. We learned to navigate global aerospace standards, compliance processes, and how to manage complex mission operations. Most importantly, we saw how knowledge-sharing can accelerate local competence and confidence.
What are the core scientific or technical missions of BOTSAT-1, and how is data from the satellite currently being used?
BOTSAT-1’s primary payload is a hyperspectral imager capable of capturing over 150 spectral bands. This allows us to monitor vegetation health, detect mineral patterns, assess water bodies, and support environmental conservation. Data from the satellite will be downlinked to our ground station at BIUST feeding into national projects in agriculture, urban planning, and research.
What were some of the biggest engineering or logistical challenges the team encountered in developing the satellite?
From securing international licenses, navigating procurement processes, to managing thermal and power design constraints, the challenges were multifaceted. Logistically, coordinating launches, component deliveries, and global testing schedules from Botswana—often in different time zones—required meticulous planning. Launch delays and export compliance issues also tested our resilience.
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How did you ensure that young Batswana scientists and engineers were involved in the project, and what does the talent pipeline look like now?
We created 15 postgraduate scholarships linked to the project, focusing on remote sensing, space systems, AI, and geospatial data science. Our engineers also trained abroad, including stints at Endurosat in Bulgaria and with partners in Japan.
Are there plans to integrate space science more directly into Botswana’s national education system or research agenda?
Yes. Space science is now seen as a strategic enabler in education. BIUST is already rolling out new curricula that are more satellite systems and geoinformatics aligned, and national consultations are ongoing to embed space themes in the school STEM pipeline. Additionally, a national workshop for senior science teachers is planned ahead of the satellite’s data release to schools.
What’s next for Botswana’s space ambitions — are there plans for additional satellites or new applications like agriculture, climate monitoring, or communications?
BOTSAT-2 is already in the conceptual stage. It will build on the success of BOTSAT-1, focusing on mineral exploration, high-resolution imaging, and AI-driven Earth observation. We are also exploring satellite-based IoT, climate modelling, and a pilot agreement with Starlink for rural broadband. The long-term ambition includes Botswana becoming a hub for satellite data processing in Southern Africa.
What message would you give to young Batswana who see BOTSAT-1 and dream of contributing to space science one day?
If you’ve ever looked at the stars and dreamed, now is the time to act. Botswana has opened the door—walk through it. Space is not for others; it is for all of us. Learn, ask questions, stay curious. We’ve proven it’s possible, and your role is to take it even further.
The public can also track BOTSAT-1 using several third-party satellite trackers and our BOTSAT-1 NORAD ID 63216; an example is https://www.satcat.com/sats/63216.