Botswana launches first satellite BOTSAT-1 aboard SpaceX Falcon 9

So many strong opinions here from commenters who aren’t actually from Botswana. Let me tell you how we actually feel about it here.<p>We think it’s awesome! The establishment of a university of science and technology in Botswana has been a long hard road, and many mistakes have been made along the way. But the fact that Botswana now has the local skill to deploy a satellite and make use of the data it provides to inform decisions blows my mind.<p>I grew up in the village that now hosts the university. We were so isolated back then that I’d listen to the Voice of America and marvel at the things that were being done in the developed world, and wonder if we would ever be able to participate in that level. The fact that a smart kid can grow up to attend a local university and end up launching a SATELLITE INTO SPACE is incredible!

It&#x27;s a whole satellite now in orbit for the people of Botswana. The payload is plenty of engineering, people. What an amazing feat

Along similar lines, Guatemala launched it&#x27;s first satellite QUETZAL-1. It was in space for 211 days. While the technology isn&#x27;t groundbreaking compared to satellites built by developed countries, it&#x27;s massive in terms of inspiring future STEM students. Brain drain is a real problem. Providing pathways to scientific careers in smaller countries is objectively a Good Thing.<p><a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.uvg.edu.gt&#x2F;cubesat-en&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.uvg.edu.gt&#x2F;cubesat-en&#x2F;</a>

Very good to hear!<p>I have never been there (I grew up in Africa), but I have always been told that Botswana is one of the more stable nations in Africa (I grew up in … <i>less stable</i> … nations).<p>Africa has amazing amounts of natural resources, and the most energetic, passionate, people I’ve ever known.

Why so much negativity under this post? This is a positive in terms of global scientific and technological progress.

Surprisingly close to the plot of an episode of 90s cheesy British techno-thriller &quot;Bugs&quot;:<p>Part 1: <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.imdb.com&#x2F;title&#x2F;tt0533567" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.imdb.com&#x2F;title&#x2F;tt0533567</a> Part 2: <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.imdb.com&#x2F;title&#x2F;tt0533529" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.imdb.com&#x2F;title&#x2F;tt0533529</a><p>Probably less sabotage and space laser weapons in the real thing.

Don’t want to belittle the achievement but they launched it as in „had it launched by the commercial launch provider SpaceX“, not on a self-developed rocket as it sounds like on the first read.

I&#x27;ve had a soft spot for Botswana ever since I read The Cry of the Kalahari. Go BOTSAT-1!

I wonder when the first satellite was launched from Africa.<p>Perhaps the Italian San Marco 1 satellite, launched from Kenya in 1964?

Zimbabwe did the same thing a few years back. The satellite eventually got lost in space.

I think it’s awesome that more People are bringing their talents to satellite engineering.

… this does not seem like their best use of resources.