Sputnik 1 was launched by the former Soviet Union on October 4, 1957, marking the start of the space age. Since then space activity has delivered many benefits. For instance, satellite imagery can be used in agriculture to predict food shortages and surplus harvests. It can also be used to forecast and monitor natural disasters like flooding.

In recognition of this, by the second decade of the 21st century, more than 50 countries had space agencies, or other government bodies, carrying out space activities.

Some African countries are also making their mark. The continent’s evolving space sector is reportedly worth USD$400 billion today.

Various experts from across the continent have published articles on The Conversation Africa, revealing the hopes, needs and achievements of Africa’s space ambitions. Here are five insightful reads.

Outer space programme is key to meeting Africa’s needs

Recognising the importance of outer space, Agenda 2063 – part of Africa’s development blueprint, put together by the African Union – includes an Africa outer space programme. It focuses on Earth observation, meteorology, satellite communication, satellite navigation and astronomy. Etim Offiong, an expert from the Scientific Officer at the African Regional Centre for Space Science, argues that Africa’s outer space programme is integral to meeting many needs that African countries have.

Achievements of the Cape’s astronomers

In some African countries, astronomical research is quite developed. South African astronomy, for instance, is at the forefront of many initiatives and discoveries. The South African Astronomical Observatory in Cape Town is the oldest permanent observatory in the southern hemisphere: it turned 200 in 2020.

Astronomer Ian Glass reveals just how much Cape astronomers have achieved. They were responsible for, among other things, the first measurement of the distance to a star; the first photographic sky survey and the accurate measurement of the distance to the sun.

Read more: https://theconversation.com/africa-in-space-5-interesting-reads-on-the-continents-achievements-and-future-191776