Uganda’s PearlAfricaSat-1 satellite was deployed into orbit on Friday, December 2nd, 2022, from the International Space Station (ISS), according to Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr Monica Musenero Masanza.
“We are now formally in space. Congratulations to Uganda! Making Uganda the Best,” Minister Dr. Musenero said.
The satellite had earlier been launched to the International Space Station on November 7, 2022.
The minister said Uganda’s ground station, established at Mpoma in Mukono, is now operational and in communication with the satellite.
Pearl Africa Sat-1 was developed by three Ugandan engineers, Bonny Omara, Derrick Tebusweke, and Edgar Mujuni, who received specialised training at the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech), Japan.
The minister thanked H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the government of Japan, Kyutech, and NASA for the enormous support towards the monumental milestones.
She added that in 18 months, the country will send another satellite to the space station.
Uganda is the 13th African country to have satellite deployed in the International Aero-space.
