The Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute has announced that Ghana plans to launch a rocket into space soon.
However, the institute notes that this long-term ambition will require partnerships with other member states of the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
The 2024 IAU General Assembly, hosted in Cape Town, South Africa, marks the first time this prestigious event has been held on the African continent in the Union’s 105-year history. This milestone represents a significant achievement for both the IAU and South Africa.
The IAU General Assembly serves as the largest global platform for astronomers, scientists, and researchers to discuss advancements in astronomical research and foster international collaboration.
The assembly will bring together over 2,000 experts from 82 countries, highlighting Cape Town’s emergence as a key hub for scientific discourse and innovation.
Speaking to JoyNews’ Blessed Sogah on the sidelines of the event, Dr. Naomi Asabre Frimpong, a Research Scientist at the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute, revealed that “Ghana does plan to go space.”
“However, we will need a lot of investment in space technology, in space engineering communication and research because our infrastructure right now does not support going to space as far as the international space station.”
Reacting to concerns that Ghana and some other African countries may not have had advanced satellite technology, Dr Naomi intimated that “Ghanaians are really brilliant we have a lot of potential and we are able to do a lot with the little infrastructure we have.”
“So with support from the government with support from the public and our own research and universities Ghanaians can contribute to the International Scientific Community and so I don’t think we should look down on our scientists we can do more with more support.”
Reacting to concerns that Ghana and other African countries may lack advanced satellite technology, Dr. Naomi Asabre Frimpong expressed confidence in Ghanaian capabilities.
She stated, “Ghanaians are really brilliant; we have a lot of potential and are able to achieve a lot with the limited infrastructure we have. With support from the government, the public, and our own research institutions and universities, Ghanaians can contribute significantly to the international scientific community. Therefore, we should not underestimate our scientists. We can achieve more with additional support.”
South Africa, which is hosting the 2024 IAU General Assembly, has expressed its willingness to partner with countries like Ghana to enhance their contributions to the global astronomy community.
General Manager for Communications at Brand South Africa, the official marketing agency of South Africa, Thoko Modise, shared her enthusiasm for the partnership.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with the International Astronomical Union for the 2024 General Assembly.”
“Hosting this prestigious event in Cape Town not only highlights South Africa’s role as a significant player in the global astronomy community but also reflects our commitment to supporting international collaboration and innovation. This assembly underscores our country’s growing prominence in the field and our capability to host world-class events.”
The 2024 IAU General Assembly offers a substantial opportunity for South African scientists to showcase advancements in astronomy, particularly through their involvement in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project.
This large-scale international effort 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 is set to revolutionize our understanding of the universe with its unprecedented sensitivity and scale. Recent developments include the successful installation of the first phase of dishes and the deployment of advanced technology, promising groundbreaking discoveries in radio astronomy and deeper exploration of cosmic phenomena.
The assembly will feature presentations on topics such as 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.
Notable guests include Dr. Sian Proctor, who made history as the first African American woman to pilot a spacecraft on the all-civilian Inspiration4 mission.
Additionally, Dr. Brian Schmidt, winner of the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on the accelerating expansion of the universe, will be interviewed during a live broadcast of the “Cosmic Savannah” podcast at the CTICC on August 14 from 7:30 – 9:30 PM.
Public events will also feature Mae Jemison, former NASA astronaut and the first African American woman in space, and a live radio link with the International Space Station involving ten Cape Town learners and NASA astronaut Sunitha Williams on August 9.
