...first space satellite, called CANSAT, built by the Intelligent Space System Laboratory of the university. Dr. Samuel Donkor, President of the university, announced this at a two-day workshop on space science technology, organized by the University in Koforidua to sensitize prospective students who wish to pursue a program in Space Science and Satellite Technology. He said the University College introduced the Space Science and Satellite Technology programme last year and less than one year the department had been able to built the first space satellite yet to be launched.

Dr. Donkor gave the assurance that the university would strive to maintain leadership in higher education by the introduction of courses that are demand driven. Dr. Ashievi Kofi, Director of Space Science Ghana, who was a resource person, stressed the importance of a science and technical education. He said the program would help to minimize dependence on importation of human resources on space and satellite technology. Dr. Ashievi said space science technology had contributed significantly to the economic development of some developed countries and urged the government to make financial commitment to it because its benefits are enormous. He said as education was considered the key to effective development strategies, science and technical education must be the master key that could alleviate poverty, promote peace, conserve the environment, improve the quality of life and help achieve sustainable development.

Mr. Mamfred Quarshie, Director of Intelligent Space System Laboratory of the All Nations University, said the lab was set up as an educational project that enables the integration and collaboration among engineering and science careers, as well as encouraging team work. He said the first step in the establishment of educational projects was the CANSAT program which is a small “satellite”, with all components, such as sensors, actuators, and GPS, housed inside a 350-ml can. He add that CANSAT provides an affordable opportunity for educators and students to acquire basic knowledge of space engineering and to experience engineering challenges in building a satellite which is then launched by a rocket or balloon.

The CANSAT project is aimed at giving students practical training in the development of an educational satellite and are able to conceptualize the mission, plan and design as well as build and test their products on the ground, charge and improve their CANSAT prototypes. Mr. Quarshie said their activities had enabled them to establish international collaboration networks of contacts in the international space education and participated in international competitions. He said the lab was working hard to establish a Satellite Ground Station for research purposes that would enhance both institutional and industrial activities in the sub-region and also to design, build and Launch a 3kg CubeSat into orbit by 2016. He commended the Space Science Centre Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and other international organizations for their support. (Source: GhanaWeb.