First Mauritian Infrared Satellite to be launched in 2019

The first Mauritian infrared Satellite is expected to be deployed in 2019 from the International Space Station (ISS).  This very first Satellite initiative by the Mauritius Research Council (MRC) has been selected for the 3rd round of the UNOOSA/JAXA’s (United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs/Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) KiboCUBE Programme.

In a statement yesterday in the National Assembly, the Minister of Technology, Communication and Innovation, Mr Yogida Sawmynaden, indicated that the selection of the first Mauritian CubeSat was announced on Monday 18th June 2018 in Vienna, Austria, by UNOOSA and JAXA.  A multi-institutional team led by the MRC, he said, worked on the technical details leading to the design of the infrared Satellite.  The MRC also benefited from the collaboration of international agencies having expertise in relevant fields including Clyde Space (UK) and ASTOS Solutions (Germany).

Mauritius, Mr Sawmynaden pointed out, intends to use its first CubeSat platform to acquire knowledge on satellite technology and how to efficiently collect and process land and ocean data coming from space.  This big data analysis will lead to better monitoring, decision-making and management of both land-based and maritime activities, and advancements in capacity-building, research and development and innovation, which will ultimately benefit the people of Mauritius, he stated. This also augurs well for our youth and this space project could serve as a model for other Small Island Developing States, he added.