Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The University of Juba wants South Sudanese to take a keen interest in space science.
The university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Akec, made the call ahead of the International Day for Human Space Flight to be marked tomorrow, April 12.
The day commemorates the first space flight and the first human being in space—the great Soviet cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin. This historic event opened up new experiences for humanity like never before.
In an exclusive interview with The City Review yesterday, Prof. Akec said the UOJ is in the process of becoming the first public university in the country to provide space sciences-related courses.
Prof. Akec said Mayardit Academy for Space Science is an idea whose time has come.
The faculty, said the VC, will accelerate the development of national space policies by the government, and promote the adoption of science, and technology in socio-economic development.
“With the establishment of this space academy, South Sudan will be joining the ranks of African countries with space programs,” stressed Prof. Akec in an exclusive interview with The City Review.
According to the Africa Space Report, more than ten countries are working on developing their first satellite, hoping to join the current list of 13 other countries that have already launched satellites into orbit over the last two decades.
Some of the African countries with space agencies include Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Angola, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. Namibia, Burkina Faso, Djibouti, and Zambia
Prof. Akech implored the youth in the country and the region to tap into the various opportunities in the virgin sector.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) shows in its Digital Earth (DE) Africa Report, ‘Unlocking the Potential of Earth Observation to Address Africa’s Critical Challenges,’ that the continent can save more than two billion dollars in socio-economic benefits every year, from better data.
“Some of the encounters that can be addressed through satellite data include disaster management, like monitoring floods, you can also use satellites to monitor weather, natural resource management, like monitoring active deforestation activities on the ground without having to go there; and food insecurity,” Prof. Akech said.
“You can also use satellites to monitor your borders for security purposes,” he added.
Prof. Akec added that the programs are all in line with the United Nations Goals for Sustainable Development.
“For instance, Zimbabwe launched its satellite two years ago, and they use the satellite to monitor animal movement.
“Countries need to have their own satellite. It costs around $8 billion to make and launch a satellite. But the applications of a satellite are endless.”
On December 2, 2022, the legislators approved a proposal to establish the Mayardit Academy for Space Sciences at the University of Juba.
Meanwhile, neighbouring Kenya is expected to launch Taifa-1, Kenya’s first earth observation satellite, which costs Ksh 50 million (approximately $400, 000)
Source: The City Review South Sudan
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