Egypt receives first images from NexSat-1 satellite

Dr Ayman Ashour, Egypt’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, has announced a significant achievement for Egypt’s space technology sector—the successful reception of the initial data image captured by the experimental satellite NExSat-1. Developed in collaboration with the German company BST, this milestone reflects Egypt’s commitment to advancing its national space capabilities and bolstering growth within the space industry, in line with the directives of the country’s esteemed political leadership.

The satellite launch, a result of the contractual agreement between the National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences (NARSS) and the German company BST, represents a significant stride in indigenising space technology. Weighing approximately 67 kg, NExSat-1 heralds a new era of technological advancement for Egypt.

Captured over Assyout, the image was transmitted via the Authority’s X band reception station in Aswan, marking a historic moment for Egypt’s satellite capabilities.

Equipped with a single-spectrum camera boasting a resolution of 5m, NExSat-1 holds vast potential for applications in agriculture and urban planning. Meticulous re-correction and processing by engineers at the Aswan reception station and specialised scientists at NARSS further enhance its capabilities.

This achievement represents a transformative leap in Egypt’s remote sensing and satellite technology landscape, solidifying its regional leadership and pivotal role in advancing space technology across Africa. Egypt’s hosting of the African Space Agency headquarters underscores its commitment to regional collaboration and the advancement of space science and technology.

Prof. Islam Abou El-Magd, President of NARSS, hailed the success of the experiment as a testament to the Authority’s expertise in remote sensing and space technology. This breakthrough is poised to catalyze growth within Egypt’s national and regional space and information industries, offering economic and developmental benefits to the African continent.

The project owes its success to the skilled human resources provided by NARSS, including project managers, system engineers, and reception and analysis engineers, whose dedication and expertise were instrumental in realizing this groundbreaking endeavour.