Satellite Technology Feature Article
Ghanaian University to Launch its First Space Satellite
By Jyothi Shanbhag, TMCnet Contributor
The CANSAT project is initiated by the All Nations University College in Koforidua. This new satellite took shape in the Intelligent Space System Laboratory of the university.
The announcement about the satellite launch was done by Dr Samuel Donkor, president of the university, at a two-day workshop on space science technology, organized by the University in Koforidua. He said the University College introduced the Space Science and Satellite Technology program last year and in less than one year the department has been able to build the first space satellite yet to be launched.
CANSAT is built with an aim to offer an affordable chance for educators and students to acquire basic knowledge of space engineering and to experience engineering challenges in building a satellite, which is launched by a rocket or balloon and released in the air.
In addition, the CANSAT project enables students to get practical training in the development of an educational satellite. They can also conceptualize the mission, plan and design as well as build and test their products on the ground, charge and improve their CANSAT prototypes.
Speaking about the Intelligent Space System Laboratory, Mr 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 program which is a small “satellite,” with all components, such as sensors, actuators, and GPS, housed inside a 350-ml can.
Edited by Brooke Neuman