In a historic milestone, Botswana’s first satellite, BOTSAT-1, was successfully launched into Earth’s orbit on March 15, 2025. The satellite was aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-13 rideshare mission, which lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 2:43 a.m. Eastern Time.
The launch, initially scheduled for March 5, experienced a brief delay before its successful execution. BOTSAT-1 is a 3U hyperspectral Earth observation satellite developed by the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) in collaboration with EnduroSat, the satellite’s lead manufacturer. The project also involved ExoLaunch, which managed the launch in partnership with SpaceX’s Transporter missions—a program designed for small satellite rideshares. citeturn0search1
Botswana’s President, Duma Gideon Boko, attended the launch as part of his working visit to the United States, accompanied by BIUST Vice Chancellor Professor Otlogetswe Totolo and other senior government officials. The President’s itinerary also included visits to various SpaceX facilities, signaling potential future collaborations.
BOTSAT-1 was placed into a near-polar, sun-synchronous orbit at approximately 500 kilometers altitude. The satellite is equipped to provide crucial Earth observation data supporting Botswana’s national development priorities, including food security, environmental conservation, and urban planning. The satellite will scan Botswana from east to west, covering a swath of approximately 32 kilometers with a resolution of 12 meters. Data transmission will be managed through a fully operational ground station located at BIUST.
The successful launch of BOTSAT-1 not only enhances Botswana’s space capabilities but also contributes to human capacity development. Local engineers have gained practical experience in satellite development, strengthening the country’s technical expertise and paving the way for future projects, such as the planned BOTSAT-2.
This achievement positions Botswana among 11 African nations operating Earth observation satellites, leveraging space technology to address regional challenges in agriculture, resource management, and disaster preparedness. The launch brings Africa’s total satellite count to 65, marking a significant step forward in the continent’s space endeavors.
The Transporter-13 mission carried a total of 74 payloads, including BOTSAT-1, demonstrating the growing accessibility of space for smaller nations and organizations.
