Staff Reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has described the launch of ZimStat-1 as successful whilst pointing out that there are plans to launch yet another satellite, ZIMSAT-2.

In his weekly column, President Mnangagwa said the successful launch of ZIMSAT-1 has bolstered the Second Republic resulting in Zimbabwe’s desire to launch ZIMSAT-2.

“Of course, that we named our maiden satellite ZIMSAT-1 means that we foresee the launch of more satellites as our Nation fully exploits and harnesses space technology for rapid industrialisation and modernisation. Indeed, ZIMSAT-2 is on its way, and should be a lot easier given the expertise, experience and confidence we have now garnered through this multinational partnership,” the President said.

According to the President, ZIMSAT-2 will give the country additional capabilities in the field of communications thereby creating total national connectivity.

“ZIMSAT-2, which we hope to launch quite soon, will give us additional capabilities, including in the critical field of communications. Once up, ZIMSAT-2 will enable total national connectivity, thus making ICT and other communication applications pervasive handmaidens in National Development,” said the President.

Scientists have commended the bold step by Government saying that as Zimbabwe moves towards modernisation and attainment of upper-middle class by 2030, the launch of ZIMSAT-1 allows Government to ascertain mineral deposits in the country thereby allowing the nation to make informed mining decisions. Satellites will also assist agricultural sector as it allows relevant stakeholders to make real time predictions thereby fostering a more reliable whether pattern prediction.