ZimSat-1, made by Zimbabwean scientists with the assistance of their Japanese counterparts under the Joint Global Multi-Nation Birds Satellite Project, left earth on Monday aboard a National Aeronautics and Space Administration rocket.
"This is a proud moment for our great country. It symbolises a nation charting a new path and soaring into a new era of renewal," tweeted President Mnangagwa. While cynics, mostly opposition activists, continue demeaning Zimbabwe's entry into the space age with the launch of ZimSat-1, the Government is already looking to the future in anticipation of sending a second satellite into orbit.But, an undeterred Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube who announced plans for the satellite in the 2019 National Budget, again to mockery from the same crowd, said Zimbabwe would forge ahead with its space programme.
"Zimbabwe space satellite, ZIMSAT 1, was launched into space today by NASA. I announced it in the National Budget statement 3 years ago, and it is now reality," he tweeted.The satellite launch is part of Government efforts to engage more in research and development as the country aims for upper-middle-income economy status by 2030.
"Research and development are critical for Zimbabwe's social-economic transformation and competitiveness, as the country strives to attain Vision 2030.Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox