In a significant stride towards space exploration, two African space institutes, Ethiopia’s Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI) and the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), have recently pledged their partnership to the China-led International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) initiative. This collaborative effort, spearheaded by China, aims to establish a permanent base on the moon by the mid-2030s, marking a momentous leap in the global quest for scientific discovery beyond Earth's boundaries.
The formalization of these partnerships occurred through signing memorandums of understanding (MOUs) between representatives from China and the respective African institutes. Deputy Director of China’s Deep Space Exploration Laboratory, Hu Chaobin, played a pivotal role in solidifying these collaborations, highlighting the collective commitment to leveraging expertise and resources towards lunar exploration.
The MOU signing ceremony between Hu Chaobin and SSGI Director Abdissa Yilma in Addis Ababa on April 5th marked Ethiopia’s entry into the ILRS initiative. Director Yilma expressed SSGI’s eagerness to contribute actively to constructing the lunar research station, envisioning the advancement of Ethiopia’s aerospace sector and technological innovation in space exploration.
Similarly, on April 8th, a cooperation memorandum was inked between Hu Chaobin and KAIST Acting Principal Jennifer W. Khamasi during a visit to the Konza Techno City in Kenya. Witnessed by KAIST Council Chairman Emmanuel Mutisya, this milestone moment affirmed the institute’s commitment to seizing research and educational opportunities facilitated by the ILRS collaboration. Mutisya also pledged KAIST’s support in advocating for Kenya’s participation in the project, signalling a shared vision for advancing space science and technology in the region.
These groundbreaking partnerships were forged during the China-led Deep Space Exploration Laboratory's participation in the NewSpace Africa Conference held in Angola in early April. In his keynote address, Hu Chaobin extended the first public invitation to African nations and organizations to join the ILRS initiative, stressing its inclusive nature and potential for mutually beneficial collaboration in lunar exploration.
With SSGI and KAIST joining the ILRS initiative, the collaboration now boasts an expanded network of global partners, including eleven countries such as China, Russia, Venezuela, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Belarus, South Africa, Egypt, and Thailand. This growing alliance underscores the collective commitment of the international community towards advancing scientific knowledge and technological capabilities in space exploration.
As Africa increasingly asserts its presence in space exploration, these partnerships signify a new era of cooperation and innovation, offering limitless opportunities for scientific discovery and technological advancement globally.
Article by Jed Mwangi
Photo/SCMP
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