Zimbabwe has successfully launched it’s second earth observation satellite, ZimSat-2, marking another milestone in its space programme. The launch was done on 5th November 2024 following the November 2022 deployment of the country’s inaugural satellite, ZimSat-1.
The ZimStat-2 was launched in a mission helmed by the Zimbabwe National Geo-Spatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) in collaboration with Russia’s Southwest State University (SWSU).
Nick Mangwana, the permanent Secretary for information, Publicity and Broadcasting has confirmed the development on his X handle account.
“The nation is informed that Zimbabwe launched its second earth observation satellite, ZimSat-2, into orbit today, 5th November 2024. The ZimSat-2 satellite was launched from Vostochny Cosmodrone in Amu Oblast, Russia. The satellite was designed and manufactured through a collaborative research programme between the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) and Southwest State University in Kursk, Russia. The satellite was designed for earth observations and data collection in agriculture, environmental protection and natural resource management.
ZimSat-2 will monitor the earth and support missions that keep track of crop health, predict yields and identify nutrient deficiencies. Developed using modern technologies, ZimSat-2 demonstrates high efficiency and reliability and is a key milestone in the development of our nation as we near the achievement of Vision 2030,”Nick Mangwana wrote.
This agricultural monitoring capability is intended to help farmers adapt to changing environmental conditions, optimise resource use, and potentially increase crop yields.
