UN-backed programme helps Kenya become a space nation
Introduction:
In May, Kenya became a space nation with the launch of its first, very own, cube satellite, designated “1KUNS-PF” – which stands for “First Kenyan University Nano Satellite-Precursor Flight”.
The cube satellite, or “CubeSat”, was developed by a team at the University of Nairobi, supported by the KiboCUBE joint initiative between the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
The KiboCUBE programme gives educational and research institutions from developing countries the chance to deploy, from the International Space Station, cube satellites that they develop and manufacture.
Kenya was the country selected for the first round of the KiboCUBE initiative, in 2016; followed by Guatemala, in 2017; and Mauritius this year.
UN News’ Vibhu Mishra spoke with John Njoroge Kimani, the Lead Scientist and Coordinator at the Kenya Space Agency about its new satellite, and what it means for the country.
In May, Kenya became a space nation with the launch of its first, very own, cube satellite, designated “1KUNS-PF” – which stands for “First Kenyan University Nano Satellite-Precursor Flight”.
UN News’ Vibhu Mishra spoke with John Njoroge Kimani, the Lead Scientist and Coordinator at the Kenya Space Agency about its new satellite, and what it means for the country.