4 March 2025
Botswana is set to make history with the launch of its first satellite, BOTSAT-1, on March 5 from Los Angeles, California, marking a significant step in the country’s space ambitions.
President Duma Gideon Boko was expected to travel to the United States on Saturday to attend the launch, which represents a major milestone in Botswana’s efforts to harness space technology for national development.
Developed by Batswana engineers from the Botswana International University of Science and Technology, BOTSAT-1 is designed to generate satellite data that will support critical sectors such as mining, agriculture and urban planning.
Officials say the project showcases the country’s growing technical expertise and potential to build a robust space programme. Beyond attending the launch, Boko’s visit – which is expected to run until March 9 – would include site tours of space rocket production facilities and Starlink Mini production plants.
According to the Ministry of International Relations, he is also scheduled to hold high-level bilateral meetings and trade discussions aimed at attracting foreign direct investment, expanding markets for Botswana’s products and promoting the country as a tourist destination.
Communications Minister David Tshere says the reason why Botswana’s satellite is being launched in America is because there is nowhere else where it could be launched.
“Even South Africa does not a have a launchpad for Satellites,” Tshere explained.
It also came to light that there is not a a single country in Africa that has launchpad satellite capabilities. Tshere further said there are plans to launch BOTSA 2 and three for communications and other technologies.
President Duma Boko is in America accompanied by two ministers, BUIST officials and other government officials. The launch will take place at South African born and now American billionaire Elon Musk’s Space X in Los Angels, California.
Source: https://shorturl.at/ixogL & Botswana Government Facebook page
