Zambia is set to track cosmic events and satellites with its new space tech

Business Insider

5 days ago

In 2025 alone, Africa has made significant strides in the space technology arena. With a blend of innovative local initiatives and robust international partnerships, the continent is charting its course into the final frontier. This is highlighted by the Transient Array Radio Telescope (TART) in Zambia.
Africa has made notable advancements in space technology in 2025.
The installation of the Transient Array Radio Telescope (TART) in Zambia highlights Africa's capacity for real-time cosmic event observation.
The latest episode in this series features the installation of the Transient Array Radio Telescope (TART) at Copperbelt University in Kitwe, Zambia.
As reported by SpaceinAfrica, this cutting-edge 24-element device is intended for real-time, all-sky observation of transitory events such as satellites, near-Earth objects, and other cosmic phenomena.
This is the fifth deployment in Africa, after installations in Botswana, Kenya, Mauritius, and South Africa.
TART is also a dynamic teaching platform and observatory tool that was created in partnership with the Electronics Research Foundation in New Zealand.
By facilitating experiential learning and algorithm creation, it equips a new generation of African engineers and scientists to explore the complexities of space technology and radio astronomy.
SpaceinAfrica also reported that the effective deployment of TART in Zambia was made possible by the committed efforts of organizations such as DARA (Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy) and the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), which operate under the National Research Foundation (NRF).
A particularly designed training program brought together teachers and postgraduate students from various universities, including Copperbelt University, Mulungushi University, Kwame Nkrumah University, and Mukuba University.
This project demonstrates the continent's commitment to developing indigenous talent and building a strong scientific community.
Some of Africa's space exploration in 2025 so far
Beyond radio astronomy, African countries are aggressively increasing their participation in larger space technology initiatives.
In February 2025, China inked space cooperation agreements with 23 African countries to assist satellite launches and the deployment of ground stations to collect critical Earth observation data.
This initiative allows governments to better monitor agricultural, climate change, and security threats from space.
Following this, Zimbabwe declared plans to launch its third satellite, while Ethiopia affirmed plans to extend its satellite program.
In March 2025, China and South Africa announced a breakthrough cooperation to build the world's longest quantum communications network.
This partnership, between China's University of Science and Technology and South Africa's Stellenbosch University, positions Africa at the forefront of quantum data security and communications, potentially paving the way for future advances in secure space-based communications.
Africa is also considering the Moon as a venue for scientific research. The Africa2Moon project, led by the Foundation for Space Development Africa, announced plans to launch a low-cost lunar radio telescope system called BALLS (Bounced African Lunar Low Spheres), by April.
These spherical antennas are designed to detect low-frequency radio waves below 10 MHz, which are best seen from the Moon's far side.
In another milestone, five African countries were recently chosen to participate in the Russian-Chinese International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) plan.
This inclusion not only provides Africa a stake in the next phase of lunar exploration but also places it as a collaborator in the development of permanent infrastructure on the Moon.