09 Mar 2025

The Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) and the BOTSAT Project Team have announced that the long awaited launch of Botswana’s first satellite, BOTSAT-1 that was scheduled for the past week has been rescheduled to a later date.

BIUST vice chancellor, Professor Otlogetswe Totolo said the delay was due to adjustments in the launch provider’s missions and this change, he said was part of routine scheduling updates by the launch provider to accommodate multiple payloads on the mission.

He said such adjustments were standard in multi-satellite launches and ensured optimal coordination among all mission partners.

A press release from BIUST states that  BOTSAT-1 satellite remained fully prepared for deployment and mission teams are closely working with launch providers to finalise the updated schedule.

“Preparations for the launch continue as planned, and a revised date will be communicated soon. The BOTSAT-1 project represents a major milestone in Botswana’s space ambitions, supporting advancements in agriculture, environmental monitoring, and scientific research,” stated the release.

The release further stated that arrangements for this historic mission were being finalised. Further updates will be shared as soon as the new launch timeline is confirmed. ENDS