By: Dwight Links
Policymakers in the scientific community of Namibia are planning to develop the country’s first science-based legislation, paving the way for developments in research, science and innovation.
At the World Space Week engagement held in Windhoek recently, Lovisa Immanuel from the directorate of research and innovation in the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts & Culture (MEIYSAC), outlined the current lack of legislation for this potential economic and research-based sector drawing increased attention around the world.
“The space science bill is yet to be developed. Namibia’s first policy in this field was launched in June 2019, which is accompanied by an implementation plan that covers 10 years,” Immanuel outlined.
However, this policy only became active in 2021 and will conclude in 2030.
In terms of alignment to international frameworks, there is one drawback outlined by Lisho Mundia, the deputy executive director of research at MEIYSAC, namely that Namibia is not yet party to the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) of the UN office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).
However, Mundia notes that having the bill submitted to parliament in the near future has already been set in motion.
“An inter-agencies committee is being put together which will spearhead the crafting of the bill process,” he said.
“The government and the various national policy documents realise that research, science, technology and innovation are enablers for industrialisation, economic empowerment and youth empowerment. Despite being known for astrophysics, Namibia has taken a strategic step in advancing our Space Science Technology agenda by crafting the bill,” Mundia added.
INFRASTRUCTURE TALKS
According to Mundia, the wheels of recognising a need for physical sites and equipment on the ground for the country’s own use have also been set in motion. A joint program between Namibia and China is set to play a role in meeting this need.
“In terms of the infrastructure, we have taken a step in establishing the Satellite Ground Data Receiving Stations (SGDRS). Phase 1 of the bilateral SGDRS through our relationship with China is complete, and we have initiated the process of Phase 2,” he indicated.
The Namibia-China cooperation on this specific project took shape in 2021 and will allow Namibia to step into a new sector.
“The Ministry has deemed it fit to invest in the Namibia University of Science and Technology Space degree programmes by funding the NanoSat Ground Data Receiving Station and equipping its laboratory, which is close to completion,” Mundia added.
Moreover, there are plans for further investment into the upstream sections of space science, in conjunction with funding the CubeSat development for earth observation. Namibia’s private sector participation is very limited currently, hence MEIYSAC appealed to the sector to participate in the fields of space science and technology.
“The country will participate in the promotion of the ‘constellation satellite development’ among African nations, which will require private sector collaboration with co-funding from governments and national space agencies,” Mundia revealed.
The policy on space science was developed under the now-dissolved Ministry of Higher Education, and is currently under the mandate of MEIYSAC.
In recognising events such as the World Space Week, Namibia reiterates its commitment to tapping into the potential of research for the betterment of the planet.
