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The Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) has revealed Ghana’s intention to launch a rocket into space in the near future. However, this ambitious plan will require collaboration with other countries, particularly those that are members of the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
This announcement comes during the 2024 IAU General Assembly, which is being held in Cape Town, South Africa—the first time this event has taken place on the African continent in the IAU’s 105-year history. The assembly is the largest global gathering of astronomers, scientists, and researchers, providing a platform for discussing advancements in astronomical research and fostering international partnerships.
Dr. Naomi Asabre Frimpong, a Research Scientist at GSSTI, shared insights during an interview with JoyNews’ Blessed Sogah. She emphasized that while Ghana has plans to venture into space, significant investments in space technology, engineering, communication, and research are necessary to realize this goal. She acknowledged that the current infrastructure in Ghana is not yet equipped to support such a mission.
Dr. Naomi expressed confidence in the capabilities of Ghanaian scientists, noting their potential to achieve significant milestones despite limited resources. She called for increased support from the government, the public, and research institutions, stressing that with additional backing, Ghanaians could make substantial contributions to the global scientific community.
South Africa, the host of the 2024 IAU General Assembly, has shown interest in partnering with Ghana and other African nations to bolster their contributions to astronomy. Thoko Modise, General Manager for Communications at Brand South Africa, expressed enthusiasm for such collaborations, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in advancing scientific innovation.
The assembly, attended by over 2,000 experts from 82 countries, provides a valuable opportunity for South African scientists to showcase their progress in astronomy, particularly through their involvement in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project. This project aims to build the world’s largest and most sensitive radio telescope, with components located in South Africa and Australia, promising to revolutionize our understanding of the universe.
In addition to technical discussions, the assembly features notable guests such as Dr. Sian Proctor, the first African American woman to pilot a spacecraft, and Dr. Brian Schmidt, a Nobel laureate in Physics. Public events include a live radio link with the International Space Station and interactions with prominent figures like Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space.
