(Finance) – The United Nations Office for Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and Avio have selected a consortium led by the University of Nairobi in Kenya, together with the University of Arizona in the United States of America and the non-profit organization Space Trustas the program’s first winner “Accessing space with Vega C”. The selected team – explains the note – will launch a free CubeSat on board the Vega C rocket
The “NaSPUON-0GPM2030” satellite is a 3U class CubeSat which aims to build capacity in Kenya by bringing together international partners with already existing technical capabilities. The technology and expertise acquired through this mission will enhance capabilities in the fields of naval spacecraft engineering and satellite operations in Kenya.
“Avio and Arianespace are thrilled to offer our Kenyan friends this opportunity to launch a satellite aboard Vega C and to support UNOOSA in its initiative to develop space-related activities for countries entering the sector. Vega C is the new born of the Vega rocket family: with the successful maiden flight on July 13, 2022, Vega C demonstrated its best capabilities, not only in terms of performance, but also flexibility and versatility. It is particularly suitable for small satellites aiming to reach low Earth orbit together with a main payload, such as the NaSPUoN-0GPM2030 CubeSat from the University of Nairobi. Other similar missions will follow in the coming years,” said Avio’s Vice President, Strategy and Innovation Angelo Fontana.
“We are thrilled that the ‘Access to space for all’ initiative continues to offer unique programs that benefit UN member states. Kenya is strategically using the diverse practical opportunities to develop its space sector and we hope that the launch of its 3U CubeSat with the Vega C will further enhance its capabilities. I would like to thank our partner Avio for offering us this opportunity as a great contribution to fill the gap in space capabilities. We look forward to working together to support Kenya in fulfilling this mission”, underlines the Acting Director of UNOOSA, Niklas Hedman.
The Mission Principal Investigator of NaSPUON-OGPM2030 Mwangi Mbuthia called it “an excellent opportunity for the University of Nairobi (UoN) to continue building its nano-satellite construction capability, which is a huge positive for Kenya’s nascent space sector. We are very grateful to all “UNOOSA and to Avio for giving us the opportunity to launch the 3U CubeSat, free of charge. This will be very important to improve space engineering and satellite operations capabilities not only at UoN, but more generally in Kenya”.
The “Accessing space with Vega-C” program is part of the Access to Space for All initiative, specifically of its Satellite Development segment. The segment is dedicated to building capacity for the design, development, operation and utilization of satellites with a focus on developing countries.