Ghana to launch its first satellite by 2020

Ghana to launch first satellite in 2020 - citifmonline

A roadmap for the launch of Ghana’s  first satellite, Ghanasat 1, has been outlined by Ghana Space Science andTechnology Institute (GSSTI) and Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC).

The project would be a joint venture between the State, GSSTI, GAEC and Menasat Gulf Group Public Limited Company, a UK-based producer of  very high resolution (1m) synthetic aperture radar (SAR), a type of radar used for aerial imaging.

The three-phase project would begin with the establishment of a data centre in 2015, for receiving, processing and analysis of radar images from the COSMO-SkyMed satellite constellation of theItalian Space Agency.

roadmap for the launch of Ghana’s first satellite, Ghanasat 1, has been
outlined by Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) and
Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC).


The project would be a joint venture between the State, GSSTI, GAEC
and Menasat Gulf Group Public Limited Company, a UK-based producer of 
very high resolution (1m) synthetic aperture radar (SAR), a type of
radar used for aerial imaging.


The three-phase project would begin with the establishment of a data
centre in 2015, for receiving, processing and analysis of radar images
from the COSMO-SkyMed satellite constellation of the Italian Space
Agency.

- See more at: http://www.citifmonline.com/2014/12/19/ghana-launch-first-satellite-2020/#sthash.P1d48qx8.dpuf

Ghana to launch first satellite in 2020 - Ghana Business News

MENASAT to design and build "GHANA SAT 1", the first African SAR high-resolution earth observation satellite jointly with GHANA SPACE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE "GSSTI". - NASDAQ.com

GHANA SAT 1 foot print is mainly in Africa and is expected to cost USD $250 Mio. It will be part of the MENASAT GULF SATELLITE Program, which consists of high-resolution earth observation Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) constellation in a low inclination orbit.

The JV company named "GHANA SAT LTD" will be active within the first quarter of 2015 and in full operation out of GSSTI allocated facilities with a joint team from MENASAT and GSSTI and is expected to generate revenues out of imagery sales and Value added service to various government and institution clients in Ghana and West Africa.

"MENASAT`s objective is to design, build and launch four SAR earth observation satellites dedicated for Africa within the coming five years. GHANA SAT1 is a very important Mile Stone", says Hani Salem, company CEO and Chairman. "There is an increasing awareness by several governments in Africa about the importance of the Satellite technology and applications for the economic and social developments of their nations. We are here in just the right time", adds Mr. Salem.

Read more: http://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/menasat-to-design-and-build-ghana-sat-1-the-first-african-sar-high-resolution-earth-observation-20141222-00075#ixzz3MfsnvqqI

Ghana to launch space satellite | General News 2014-12-19

Ghana is to launch a space satellite in the next five years near the Equator for earth observation.


To be flagged under the name Ghana Satellite One (GHANASAT 1), it will be the first earth observation satellite in the orbit in the West African sub-region.


The three-phase project, being championed by the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) under the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), with technical support from MENASAT?Gulf Group PLC, is projected to facilitate economic planning and management of resources.

MENASAT Gulf Group PLC is the developer of the Gulf Satellite which
provides real time imagery to the Middle East, North African and South
East Asian regions.


The first phase will include the building of a modern space data centre, while the second phase will ensure that Ghana has a direct receiving station for harvesting space information by 2020 and the final stage will involve the launch of the space satellite. Benefits


At a stakeholders meeting in Accra to begin the project, the Director-General of GAEC, Mr Benjamin Jabez Nyarko, said the satellite would help Ghana to take advantage of the space technology to boost economic development.

Sar products

Earth Observation Gulf-satellites.pdf

Products | Menasat | Gulf Group

Menasat Gulf Group anticipates delivering SAR images at different processing levels, with different spatial resolutions and swath.


Standard processing levels are:

• Level 1A: SCS, Single look, Complex,Slant range
• Level 1B: DGM , Detected, Ground projected, Multi-look
• Level 1C: GEC, Geo-coded, Ellipsoid Corrected
• Level 1D: GT C, Geo-coded, Terrain Corrected

SAR modes available are:


Spotlight mode

• Spotlight
• 1 meter azimuth and swath resolution
• 10km azimuth x10km range image swath
• 25–15m geo-location accuracy (Levels 1B or better)
• HH or VV polarization Stripmap mode

Stripmap mode

• 3m azimuth and swath resolution
• 40km swath range
• 25–15m geo-location accuracy (Levels 1B or better)
• HH , HV , VH or VV polarization

ScanSAR mode

• ScanSAR
• 16 –30m azimuth x 7 – 30m swath
• resolution
• 100km swath range
• 30m geo-location accuracy
• (Levels 1B or better)
• HH , HV , VH or VV polarization