Space technology professionals, enthusiasts, researchers and policymakers will gather in the Rwandan capital, Kigali to celebrate World Space Week under the theme; “space and entrepreneurship.”
According to organisers, a week-long conference from October 4-10 will be held as part of the celebrations.
Celebrated annually, the World Space Week seeks to unite and commemorate the contributions and advancements of space exploration.
Maruska Strah, World Space Week Association (WSWA) Executive Director noted; “From innovative satellite communication services to promising startups that push the frontiers of space technology, entrepreneurial initiatives are constantly shaping the future of space.”
Dennis Stone, President of the WSWA, commented, “The theme underscores the increasing significance of entrepreneurial engagement in the space sector. We look forward to fostering an understanding of the vast opportunities available within the sector and inspiring individuals globally to consider their role in the future of space exploration.”
UN-declared World Space Week is celebrated October 4-10 annually. It is an international celebration of the contribution of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition.
World Space Week consists of a myriad of space related events held by space agencies, aerospace companies, schools, planetaria, museums, and astronomy clubs in a common time-frame to achieve greater student and public impact through synchronization.
Rwanda Space Ambitions
In 2020, the Rwanda government established the National Space agency known as Rwanda Space Agency (RSA). Its main mission is to develope Rwanda’s space sector towards social-economic development.
The agency is mandated to regulate and coordinate all space activities in the country while also creating an environment that promotes entrepreneurial and industrial development to enable the creation of commercializable products that are globally competitive for local consumption and export markets.
Other key objectives of RSA include designing and implementing capacity building programs in space sciences and technologies, their applications and to build highly skilled professionals in space industry.This is implemented through various partnerships with different stakeholders.
