A consortium led by the University of Nairobi has been selected to launch a cube satellite from the European Space Agency’s Vega C rocket.

The UN Office for Outer Space Affairs and Avio have chosen the consortium – which also includes the University of Arizona (US) and NPO Space Trust – as the first awardee of the Accessing space with Vega C programme.

The satellite 3U-class cubesat (or a small satellite payload), will be developed at the University of Nairobi and, according to Avio, it aims at ‘building capacity in Kenya by bringing together international partners with existing technical capabilities. The technology and skills gained through this collaborative mission will enhance the capacity of spacecraft engineering and satellite operation in Kenya’.

Avio adds that the programme is delivered under the Access to Space for All initiative, specifically its satellite development track, which is ‘dedicated to building capacity for designing, developing, operating and utilising satellites, with a focus on developing countries’.

21 February 2023
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