Uganda’s First Satellite Deployed into Lower Earth Orbit

Uganda’s first satellite, PearlAfricaSat-1, has been deployed into the lower earth orbit from the International Space Station (ISS).

The satellite had earlier been launched on the ISS on November 7, 2022.

Uganda’s ground station, established at Mpoma, Mukono is now operational and in communication with the satellite.

PearAfricaSat-1 was developed by three Ugandan engineers; Bonny Omara, Derrick Tebusweke and Edgar Mujuni who received specialised training at Kyushu Institute of Technology in Japan.

“We thank His Excellency the President, the government of Japan, Kyutech and NASA for the enormous support towards this monumental milestone,” said Dr Monica Musenero Masanza, the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation on Friday.

She added: “We wish to congratulate His Excellency the President, members of the cabinet, the STI secretariat, our satellite engineers and all people of Uganda upon this achievement.”