China supports Africa’s growing space industry by building a satellite data receiving station in the Namibian capital.
On the outskirts of Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, a satellite data receiving station funded and built by China symbolizes China’s increasing cooperation in Africa’s emerging space industry.
The Chinese Embassy described this station as “a shining example of China-Namibia cooperation” while celebrating the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations. In a social media announcement in July, it was stated that the satellite facility was completed ahead of schedule and that the station aims to support Namibia in developing its space infrastructure, training technical personnel, and enhancing its capacity in remote sensing satellite applications.
This satellite station will receive, process, and distribute data from remote sensing satellites for various purposes such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, disaster management, and resource assessment. Additionally, China will provide technical training to dozens of engineers to help Namibia independently operate and use the station.
This ongoing cooperation demonstrates China’s growing influence in space as it helps African countries develop their space capabilities through strategic partnerships.