The impact of new LEO systems on humanitarian relief operations in Africa
28 November 2023
Declan Ganley, CEO, Rivada Space Networks; and Erwan Emilian, CEO and partner, IEC Telecom
The global digital transformation market size has been estimated to a value of $590 million in 2021 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.6% from 2021 to 2030. With 45% of Africa’s population living more than 10km away from any fibre-optic network infrastructure, satellite communications offer reliable and secure coverage to take advantage of opportunities for digitalisation. In fact, according to the African Space Industry Annual Report 2019, satellite communications generate approximately $6.5 billion in Africa annually.
In the humanitarian sector, satellite communications contribute considerably to relief efforts in areas without reliable cellular service – from portable connectivity kits for first responders and drone surveillance to coordination of food distribution and e-learning programmes. Digital technologies are facilitating aid operations like never before.
Find out more Local Knowledge, Global Response By Nimrod Kapon, CEO, OASIS Networks
28 November 2023
Imagine a world with no connectivity It's almost impossible.
As species, we rely completely on communications. It's an essential part of our everyday existence. Our wired and cellular world is spectacularly interconnected. However, this isn't the case everywhere and, according to the ITU, 37 percent of the world's population still have no internet access. This is where satellite technology is a lifeline, reaching the more remote areas of the globe where terrestrial connectivity is lacking or doesn't exist.
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Senegal’s first satellite to launch in Q1 2024
27 November 2023
GaindeSat, Senegal’s first satellite, will be put into orbit during the first quarter of 2024, says the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. The satellite was delivered on November 10.
The nanosatellite was built over three years by Senegalese engineers and technicians trained by the Montpellier University Space Center (CSUM) as part of a partnership with the Senegalese government. The construction and launch of GaindeSat constitutes the first stage of the Senegalese national space program, SenSAT, which aims to make the sector a real lever for the socio-economic development of the country, through the design and operation of tools in space. The goal is to meet national needs for space products and services, and to become a space hub for the sub-region.
Find out more GSOA releases sustainability code of conduct
27 November 2023
The Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA) has released its Code of Conduct on Space Sustainability, calling on operators to implement responsible practices that mitigate the risk of in-orbit collision, minimize the threat of non-trackable debris, protect humans in space and limit effects on optical astronomy.
Satellite communications provide essential connectivity that complements terrestrial networks and contributes to the delivery of universal service and coverage. Satellite connectivity can significantly help reduce the digital divide, as the number of satellite broadband users is set to double to at least 500 million people by 2030.
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