The All Nations University College in Koforidua will soon launch its first space satellite, called “Cansat” built by the Intelligent Space System Laboratory of the university.
The Cansat programme is a small “satellite”, with all components, such as sensors, actuators, and GPS, housed inside a 350-ml can
As reported by the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Dr Samuel Donkor, President of the university, announced this at a two-day workshop on space science technology, organised by the University in Koforidua to sensitise prospective students who wish to pursue a programme in Space Science and Satellite Technology.
Dr Donkor gave the assurance that the university would strive to maintain leadership in higher education by the introduction of courses that are demand driven.
Dr Ashievi Kofi, Director of Space Science Ghana, who was a resource person, stressed on the importance of science and technical education.
He said the programme would help to minimise dependence on importation of human resources on space and satellite technology.
Dr Ashievi said space science technology had contributed significantly to the economic development of some developed countries and urged the government to make financial commitment to it because its benefits are enormous.
He said since education was considered the key to effective development strategies, science and technical education must be the master key that could alleviate poverty, promote peace, conserve the environment, improve the quality of life and help achieve sustainable development.
Dr Ashievi said science and technology were perceived globally as major tolls for rapid social and economic development and Ghana could not run away from it.
He said the industrialised countries of the world applied science and technology to develop their economics and mentioned China, South Korea, India, Malaysia and Singapore as notable examples.
Dr Ashievi said some few countries followed their footsteps and had also successfully applied science and technology to transform their economies.
Mamfred Quarshie, Director of Intelligent Space System Laboratory of the All Nations University, said the lab was set up as an educational project that enables the integration and collaboration among engineering and science careers, as well as encouraging team work.
He said the first step in the establishment of educational projects was the Cansat programme which is a small “satellite”, with all components, such as sensors, actuators, and GPS, housed inside a 350-ml can.
Quarshie said Cansat provides an affordable opportunity for educators and students to acquire basic knowledge of space engineering and to experience engineering challenges in building a satellite and it is launched by a rocket or balloon and released in the air.
He said the lab was working hard to establish a Satellite Ground Station for research purposes that would enhance both institutional and industrial activities in the sub-region and also to design, build and Launch a 3-Kg CubeSat into orbit by 2016.
The Omanhene of New Juaben Traditional Area, Professor Oti Boateng, said it was clear that the exploration of the outer space bring enormous benefits both to the developed and developing countries.
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