By Antony Mutunga
Africa is on course to build its first spaceport following a partnership between Djibouti and the Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group (HKATG) to build a facility to launch satellites and rockets.
The orbital spaceport project, which is valued at $1 billion, will be built in the northern Obock region. In the preliminary deal, was presided over by President Ismael Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, said his government will provide the necessary land (minimum 10 sq. km and with a term of not less than 35 years) and all ‘necessary assistance’ to build and operate the Djiboutian Spaceport.
According to Guelleh, the facility will consist of seven satellite launch pads and three rocket testing pads, which are expected to be finished in five years. The project will include the construction of port infrastructure and highways in the region to facilitate the transport of aerospace materials from China as well as power and water infrastructure.
The spaceport is expected to further raise the value of the African space and satellite industry which is already valued over $19.6 billion according to the 2022 report by research firm Space in Africa. 14 countries have already launched satellites in Africa, with South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, and Nigeria having the highest number of satellites in space as of 2022 at 5 each.
Once the spaceport is complete, it will not be fully owned by Djibouti until the 30-year co-management contract with HKATG expires. The project will be an advantage for the continent as it provides a launch base that will serve all Africans.
According to Victor Mwongera, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Kenyatta University, with many people and organisations now focussed on the industry in Africa, it has a promising future. He goes on to add that Eastern Africa, is in a good position to harbour more spaceports due to its closeness to the equator, making it able to launch more satellites. “At the equator… there is minimal energy required,” he said.
Touchroad International Holdings, a company which has been involved in building the Djibouti Special Economic Zone and mining projects, will also help develop an international commercial spaceport in the northern Obock region. The preliminary deal, signed in partnership with Touchroad International Holdings Group, clears the path for a formal contract signing, planned for March 2023.
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