African Space History
From pioneering dreams and early observatories to groundbreaking achievements—explore the remarkable journey of Africa's space exploration from the 1840s to today.
History ofAfrican Space
From pioneering dreams and early observatories to groundbreaking achievements—explore the remarkable journey of Africa's space exploration from the 1940s to today.
African Space History Timeline
First astronomical observatories established
First launch sites hosted in Africa
Zambian Space Program announced
First African satellites launched
Early African Space Ventures
Foundational Steps: Early Observatories and International Collaborations
Africa's formal engagement with space science began much earlier than many realize, primarily through international collaborations and the establishment of ground-based infrastructure. Sophisticated telescopes for astronomical observations and ground stations for satellite tracking were established across the continent, with some dating back to the mid-19th century.
Historic Observatories
- Hermanus Magnetic Observatory (1841): Cape of Good Hope, South Africa - providing crucial geomagnetic data
- Southern African Large Telescope (SALT): Largest single optical telescope in the southern hemisphere
- Entoto Observatory: Ethiopia's premier astronomical research facility
- Kottamia Observatory: Egypt's 1.9-meter optical telescope
Cold War Collaborations
- Hartebeesthoek Station (1960s): South Africa - NASA deep space tracking for Apollo missions
- Kano Tracking Station (1961-1966): Nigeria - vital for early American manned spaceflights
- Broglio Space Center (1964): Kenya-Italy collaboration in Malindi
- French Launch Sites (1948-1967): Algeria - Hammaguir and Colomb-Béchar facilities
During the Cold War, several African nations played crucial, albeit supportive, roles in global space efforts. NASA established tracking stations in countries like South Africa and Nigeria, which significantly contributed to missions like the Apollo moon landings. The Hartebeesthoek station received the first images of Mars from Mariner IV, while the Kano station was vital for Project Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs.
The Zambian Space Program (1960s): Edward Makuka Nkoloso's Vision
In the fervent atmosphere of Zambia's independence in October 1964, Edward Makuka Nkoloso announced an ambitious space program that captured international attention and embodied the spirit of post-colonial aspiration.
The Visionary
Born in Northern Rhodesia in 1919, Edward Makuka Nkoloso was a unique figure described as a soldier, teacher, patriot, and visionary. His interest in science began during his service in the British Northern Rhodesian Regiment during World War II.
He established Zambia's National Academy of Science, Space Research and Philosophy with the audacious goal of surpassing both the United States and the USSR in the space race.
The Program
- •Recruited 10 young men and 1 woman as “Afronauts”
- •Planned rocket “D-Kalu 1” named after President Kaunda
- •Goal: Send humans to the Moon and Mars
- •Requested £7,000,000 from UNESCO
Training Methods & Legacy
Nkoloso's training methods were unconventional but showed genuine scientific thinking. Trainees were placed in oil drums and rolled down hills to simulate weightlessness, and used swings with rubber tires for similar purposes.
While the program never achieved its technical goals, it holds profound symbolic weight. Its emergence shortly after Zambia's independence highlighted a deep desire for national assertion and global recognition in the post-colonial era, representing African aspirations for technological sovereignty.
Other African Space Pioneers
Algeria (1948-1967)
Hosted French launch sites at Hammaguir and Colomb-Béchar, used for missile tests and the launch of France's first satellite, Astérix, in 1965.
Kenya (1964-present)
The Broglio Space Center in Malindi launched over 20 sounding rockets and 9 orbital rockets between 1967-1989, still operational today.
South Africa (1960s-present)
Hartebeesthoek station contributed to Apollo missions and received first Mars images. Transferred to South African control in 1975.
From Dreams to Reality
The pioneering spirit of early African space ventures laid the foundation for today's thriving space ecosystem across the continent.