Egypt is preparing to launch the biggest satellite in the Middle East, marking a significant milestone in the region’s space exploration and technological advancements.
Next Sunday, the Egyptian Space Agency is scheduled to commemorate the successful assembly and testing of the “Egypt Sat 2” satellite, which has been accomplished in collaboration with China.
In a statement, the Agency unveiled that the event will mark the delivery of the electrical and mechanical-electrical prototypes of the “Egypt Sat 2” satellite from China.
This key milestone will occur within the Satellite Assembly, Integration, and Test Center (AITC) building, home to the newest satellite assembly, testing, and operation facility in Africa, boasting top-of-the-line equipment and devices.
The “Egypt Sat 2” satellite project stands as a landmark initiative for the cooperative venture in space technology between Egypt and China.
The satellite promises to deliver images of up to 2 meters in precision, playing a pivotal role in maximizing the use of the nation’s resources. Applications include the identification and distribution of various agricultural crops across Egypt, urban planning initiatives, monitoring coastal changes – specifically on Egypt’s northern shoreline and the Delta area, tracing water sources, river routes, and detecting encroachments on state-owned lands, among other significant uses.
Over the past few years, Egypt has significantly expanded its space exploration program. It established the Egyptian Space Agency in 2019, aiming to encourage scientific research and contribute to the nation’s development in different sectors such as communications, navigation, and remote sensing. The agency has been working on several satellite projects to boost Egypt’s capabilities in areas like climate monitoring, resource management, and disaster management.