Two Members of Parliament (MPs) have promised to support All Nations University with an amount of two thousand Ghana cedis (GHC2,000) for launching a Satellite into space for the first time in the country’s history.
The Koforidua-based private University successfully launched its first satellite into space over the weekend.
GhanaSat-1, which was developed by students at All Nations University in Koforidua, was sent into orbit from the International Space Station.
Cheers erupted as 400 people, including the engineers, gathered in the southern Ghanaian city to watch live pictures of the launch. The first signal was received shortly afterwards.
It is the culmination of a two-year project, costing $500,000 (£400,000). It received support from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
The satellite will be used to monitor Ghana’s coastline for mapping purposes, and to build capacity in space science and technology.
Ernest Teye Mantey, who was part of the team from the All Nations University which launched the satellite said it marked a new beginning for the country and hoped the University in the near future do more.
He said on Adom FM’s Morning Show, ‘Dwaso Nsem’ Monday that the Ghana Sat 1 would be orbiting around the sun for two (2) years after which it would melt.
The Satellite, he said, would orbit at a speed of 7 kilometres per second and would be available in Ghana’s airspace four times a day during which time, trained students can communicate with it ffor up to ten minutes and record all details.
Ernest Tettey Mantey said the University hopes to launch Ghana Sat 2, in the near future which would be an improvement on the current one.
George Mireku Duker
Commenting on this feat on the same show, NPP MP for Tarkwa Nsuaem, Ben Mireku Duker and Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah, NDC MP for Amenfi Central commended the private University for doing a yeoman’s job.
They called on the government to assist the University to achieve more promising that they will personally support their efforts with an amount of GHC2,000.
“We are supporting the University with an amount of GHC 1,000 each for their efforts, they should continue to explore more and we urge the government and individuals to assist them…,” they said.
Peter Kwakye-Ackah
The Amenfi Central MP however urged the current government to sacrifice at least ten (10) Land Cruisers so the Government of Ghana can build a commercial satellite.
“The government can sacrifice at least ten Land Cruisers to help All Nations University build a commercial satellite since it is only governments that can own commercial satellites…technology has advanced and we need the commercial satellite…,” he said.
MPs give All Nations University GHC 2,000 over Satellite launch
-