Cameroonian Scientist Advocates for African Space Hardware to Enhance Disaster Response

In a compelling call to action, Marie Makuate, a Cameroonian scientist and geospatial expert, emphasizes the need for more African nations to launch their own satellites to enhance disaster response efforts and reduce reliance on costly foreign data. Based in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Makuate's expertise in analyzing satellite images has proven crucial in numerous emergencies, including the recent devastating earthquake in central Morocco.

Working for the NGO Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team, Makuate crafts detailed maps from satellite imagery to assist emergency services in navigating challenging terrains swiftly. Her work became especially vital last September when her maps helped organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières reach victims in the quake-hit areas of Morocco, including Marrakesh.

Despite the availability of some free satellite images for disaster relief, Makuate highlights the limitations and costs associated with accessing high-quality data when time is of the essence. "When an emergency starts, I have to negotiate with our satellite partners to find who can offer the best-quality images for free," she explains. However, this free access is often restricted to specific areas and for a limited time.

Makuate argues that if more African countries had their satellites, it would not only facilitate quicker and more efficient disaster response but also support other critical areas such as agriculture, population analysis, and natural resource management. Satellite imagery, she notes, can cost up to $25 per square kilometer, an expense that could be mitigated by domestic satellite programs.

This week, Makuate presented her case at the NewSpace Africa Conference in Luanda, Angola, where industry specialists gathered to discuss how space technology can propel the continent forward. The potential of the African space sector is vast, with projections estimating it could be worth over $20 billion by 2026.

Dr. Zolana João, general manager of the Angolan National Space Programme, echoed Makuate's sentiments at the conference. He stressed the importance of investing in African space capabilities to provide governments with reliable data for improved decision-making.

Currently, South Africa and Egypt lead the continent with 13 satellites each, a stark contrast to the more than 3,400 satellites operated by the United States. Makuate and her colleagues argue that increasing Africa's share in the space sector through regional investment could drastically enhance the continent's autonomy and technological prowess.

The discussions at the NewSpace Africa Conference highlight a growing consensus among African scientists and policymakers about the strategic benefits of developing indigenous space technologies. As the continent moves forward, the hope is that more nations will invest in this vital sector, harnessing space for sustainable development and better emergency responses.