Ghana has announced an ambitious plan to launch its first rocket into space, marking a significant milestone in the country’s scientific and technological aspirations. This bold move was revealed by the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute, which emphasized that while the vision is clear, achieving it will require substantial investment and international collaboration.
The Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute has outlined that partnerships with member states of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) will be critical to realizing this long-term goal. The institute is keen to collaborate with other countries that share a commitment to advancing space technology and exploration.
The 2024 IAU General Assembly, set to be hosted in Cape Town, South Africa, provides a fitting backdrop for this announcement. This event, being held on the African continent for the first time in the IAU’s 105-year history, symbolizes a significant achievement for both the Union and South Africa. The General Assembly will serve as the largest global platform for astronomers, scientists, and researchers, offering a unique opportunity to discuss advancements in astronomical research and foster international collaboration.
Cape Town’s selection as the host city highlights its growing reputation as a hub for scientific discourse and innovation. The event is expected to bring together over 2,000 experts from 82 countries, all eager to share their knowledge and contribute to the global scientific community.
Speaking to JoyNews’ Blessed Sogah during the event, Dr. Naomi Asabre Frimpong, a Research Scientist at the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute, expressed the country’s determination to reach for the stars. “Ghana does plan to go to space,” she affirmed, but also acknowledged the challenges ahead. “We will need significant investment in space technology, space engineering, communication, and research because our current infrastructure does not yet support such an endeavor.”
Dr. Frimpong’s comments underscore the importance of building a solid foundation for Ghana’s space ambitions. The country must address its technological and infrastructural gaps to make space exploration a reality. However, she remains confident in Ghana’s potential to contribute meaningfully to the international scientific community.
Responding to concerns about whether Ghana and other African nations possess the advanced satellite technology necessary for space exploration, Dr. Frimpong defended the capabilities of her fellow citizens. “Ghanaians are brilliant. We have a lot of potential and can achieve a great deal with the limited infrastructure we currently have,” she said. She emphasized that with the right support from the government, the public, and academic institutions, Ghanaians could make significant contributions to global science.
Her optimism is shared by many in the scientific community, who believe that Ghana’s entry into space exploration could inspire other African nations to pursue similar ambitions. Dr. Frimpong also urged the public not to underestimate the country’s scientists, insisting that they could accomplish much more with increased support and resources.
South Africa, the host of the 2024 IAU General Assembly, has expressed its willingness to collaborate with countries like Ghana. This partnership aims to bolster the contributions of African nations to the global astronomy community. Thoko Modise, General Manager for Communications at Brand South Africa, the official marketing agency of South Africa, shared her excitement about the potential collaboration. “We are thrilled to collaborate with the International Astronomical Union for the 2024 General Assembly,” Modise said. She highlighted that hosting this prestigious event in Cape Town not only showcases South Africa’s role as a significant player in the global astronomy community but also reflects the country’s commitment to supporting international collaboration and innovation.
The 2024 IAU General Assembly will be a platform for South African scientists to demonstrate their advancements in astronomy. One of the major highlights will be the country’s involvement in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project. This large-scale international initiative aims to build 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 promises to revolutionize our understanding of the universe with its unprecedented sensitivity and scale. The successful installation of the first phase of dishes and the deployment of advanced technology have set the stage for groundbreaking discoveries in radio astronomy. Scientists anticipate that the SKA will provide deeper insights into cosmic phenomena and push the boundaries of current astronomical knowledge.
The assembly in Cape Town will feature a series of presentations on various cutting-edge topics. These will include 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 host notable guests who have made significant contributions to space exploration. Among them is Dr. Sian Proctor, who made history as the first African American woman to pilot a spacecraft during the all-civilian Inspiration4 mission. Dr. Proctor’s achievements serve as an inspiration for aspiring astronauts and scientists worldwide, demonstrating the possibilities that lie within reach.
Additionally, Dr. Brian Schmidt, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist recognized for his work on the accelerating expansion of the universe, will participate in the assembly. He is scheduled for an interview during a live broadcast of the “Cosmic Savannah” podcast at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on August 14. His insights are expected to captivate the audience, offering a glimpse into the latest developments in cosmology and astrophysics.
Public events associated with the assembly will further engage the community and spark interest in space exploration. Mae Jemison, a former NASA astronaut and the first African American woman to travel into space, will participate in these events, sharing her experiences and encouraging young people to pursue careers in science and technology.
Another highlight of the event will be a live radio link with the International Space Station. This interactive session will involve ten learners from Cape Town, who will have the unique opportunity to speak with NASA astronaut Sunitha Williams on August 9. This event aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, encouraging them to dream big and pursue their ambitions.
