Tech: Ghana just launched its first space satellite and it was built by college students

Ghana made history on Friday after launching it first ever satellite into space. The GhanaSat-1 was developed by students of All Nation's University College in the Eastern region of Ghana.

Ghana on Friday launched its launches first space satellite into orbit, joining a host of other countries in space science.

The GhanaSat-1 was developed by students at the All Nation’s University College (ANUC) in the Eastern Region with support from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

The project is valued at  $50,000 (£40,000).

Benefits to Ghana?

Technical engineer of GhanaSat-1 satellite, Ernest Martey, says space science has a diverse impact on the nation’s economy, education and technology.

He told Radio Ghana on Friday: “First, I believe for the pride of it that Ghana has also entered into space. It is enough heritage for the country.”

He also noted that it opens the doors for technological exploit.

“Space science opens for a more technological exploit for which we believe that this first satellite will open doors for it,” he said.

Martey said another benefit Ghana could get from space science is “capacity building” in satellite building.

He further says it will “bring to the educational system that value of science and technology which student will be trained on how to build a satellite.

 “We hope that from today onward, a group of engineers will be trained and groomed to build the GhanaSat-2,” he said.

Satellite surfing ready to take off. GhanaSat-1 will be used to monitor the nation’s coastline for mapping purposes, and to build capacity in space science and technology, he said.

It could also be used in monitoring illegal mining activities in some mining areas. he added.

The president of Ghana Akufo Addo tweeted a congratulatory message to the team.

A cross section of Ghanaians on social media also reacted positively to the invention.

 

Ghana made history on Friday after launching it first ever satellite into space. The GhanaSat-1 was developed by students of All Nation's University College in the Eastern region of Ghana. Read Full Story