Rwanda Space Agency (RSA) has concluded a week-long outreach campaign aimed at raising awareness among key stakeholders in the space industry.
The campaign targeted both the private sector and academia with the goal of leveraging the growing space ecosystem. Established three years ago, RSA’s primary focus has been on agriculture, urbanisation, and disaster management.
However, officials believe that many opportunities in the sector remain untapped. RSA’s Chief Technology Officer, George Kwizera, shared insights on the agency’s progress, the impact of the recent awareness campaign, and an upcoming space conference in Kigali.
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The Journey of RSA After Three Years
RSA was established with the mission of developing Rwanda’s space sector to drive socio-economic development. To achieve this mission, the agency began by understanding the needs of stakeholders in terms of space-related services. RSA collaborated with various institutions to comprehend how space services could enhance and monitor service delivery in specific sectors. The agency initiated projects using geospatial data and satellite imagery from partner satellite operators. After receiving this data, RSA employs algorithms and machine learning to extract valuable information applicable to key sectors such as agriculture, mining, and disaster management.
Significance of Community Outreach for RSA
The community outreach was essential for RSA to ensure that Rwandans understand the agency’s role in space-related activities. It was crucial for citizens to comprehend how RSA could contribute to national development and how space technology relates to their lives.
The week-long campaign generated excitement, particularly from local government officials. Many people were surprised by how closely space technology could impact their lives. Local governments expressed willingness to collaborate with RSA to address governance issues using space technology. Students also exhibited excitement, with many revising their initial perception that space was not relevant to them.
During the campaign, RSA shared an overview of space technologies and their impact on socio-economic development. The technologies covered areas such as navigation, GPS improvement, air navigation, precision agriculture, and communication enhancements, including internet access, voice telephony, and TV services. Earth observation, facilitated by machine learning and Artificial Intelligence, was highlighted for applications in smart agriculture, urban planning, mining, and disaster management. The agency is also working on enhancing internet access in rural schools through partnerships with Starlink/SpaceX.
The Way Forward for Rwanda Space Agency
RSA emphasised the need to identify priority areas for space technology applications. While the agency initially focused on agriculture, disaster management, and urbanisation, it recognizes that there are numerous opportunities within these sectors. RSA intends to engage the entire ecosystem to develop a clear framework for yielding results. Additionally, the agency aims to build the capacity of students in the field of space technology.
The Rwanda Space Conference
RSA is hosting a two-day international space conference on October 9 and 10. The conference will bring together stakeholders, industry leaders, academia, and local innovators to explore how space technology can contribute to socio-economic development. It will also serve as a platform to discuss key challenges facing the country. RSA intends to ensure the sustainability of Rwanda’s space sector by partnering with the private sector and creating a conducive environment for businesses in the industry.
