The Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute has revealed ambitious plans to launch a rocket into space, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s scientific and technological advancement.
This announcement, made during the 2024 International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly in Cape Town, South Africa, highlights Ghana’s aspirations to join the global space exploration community.
However, the institute acknowledged that realizing this goal will require substantial investments and strategic partnerships with other member states of the IAU.
The 2024 IAU General Assembly, a historic event for Africa, is being held on the continent for the first time in the Union’s 105-year history.
This gathering is a landmark moment for both the IAU and South Africa, underscoring the region's growing influence in the field of astronomy.
The IAU General Assembly is the world’s largest platform for astronomers, scientists, and researchers to discuss the latest advancements in astronomical research and foster international collaboration.
This year’s event has attracted over 2,000 experts from 82 countries, positioning Cape Town as a vital hub for scientific discourse and innovation.
Speaking to JoyNews’ Blessed Sogah at the sidelines of the event, Dr. Naomi Asabre Frimpong, a Research Scientist at the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute, shared insights into Ghana’s space ambitions.
“Ghana does plan to go to space,” she confirmed.
“However, we will need a lot of investment in space technology, in space engineering communication, and research because our infrastructure right now does not support going to space as far as the international space station.”
Addressing concerns about Ghana’s technological capabilities, particularly in satellite technology, Dr. Naomi expressed confidence in the country’s potential.
“Ghanaians are really brilliant; we have a lot of potential and are able to achieve a lot with the limited infrastructure we have,” she noted.
She emphasized the importance of government support, public backing, and enhanced research facilities to enable Ghana to make significant contributions to the international scientific community.
“We should not underestimate our scientists. We can achieve more with additional support,” she added.
The 2024 IAU General Assembly, hosted by South Africa, also presents an opportunity for collaboration between African nations. South Africa, which has positioned itself as a leader in global astronomy, has expressed its readiness to partner with countries like Ghana to bolster their contributions to the global astronomy community.
Thoko Modise, General Manager for Communications at Brand South Africa, the official marketing agency of South Africa, expressed excitement about the collaboration.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with the International Astronomical Union for the 2024 General Assembly,” she said.
“Hosting this prestigious event in Cape Town not only highlights South Africa’s role as a significant player in the global astronomy community but also reflects our commitment to supporting international collaboration and innovation.”
The assembly serves as a platform for South African scientists to showcase advancements in astronomy, particularly through their involvement in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project.
This ambitious international effort aims to construct the world’s largest and most sensitive radio telescope, with components located in South Africa’s Karoo desert and Western Australia’s Murchison region.
The SKA project is expected to revolutionize our understanding of the universe, offering unprecedented insights through its scale and sensitivity.
Presentations at the assembly will cover a wide range of topics, including the impact of the James Webb Space Telescope on our understanding of the universe, innovative techniques for discovering exoplanets, initiatives to combat light pollution, and the role of astronomy in global development.
The event will also feature prominent figures in the field, including Dr. Sian Proctor, the first African American woman to pilot a spacecraft on the all-civilian Inspiration4 mission, and Dr. Brian Schmidt, the 2011 Nobel Prize winner in Physics for his work on the accelerating expansion of the universe.
Public events will include appearances by Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space, and a live radio link with the International Space Station involving ten Cape Town learners and NASA astronaut Sunitha Williams.
As Ghana looks towards the stars, the nation’s space ambitions symbolize a bold step forward in its scientific journey, with hopes of contributing meaningfully to the global astronomical community.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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