Egypt reveals details of launch of MisrSat 2 satellite at cost of $74m

Last updated Jun 25, 2023

Space satellite orbiting the Earth. 3d rendering

Egypt has revealed details of the launch of the MisrSat 2 satellite from China in October, at a cost of $74 million.

The satellite’s mission is to take images of Egyptian soil to preserve the environment, as well as to undertake remote sensing.

Dr. Ahmed Al-Rafei, the official in charge of the project, said the installation and testing of the satellite had been completed in cooperation with China, with the $74 million coming as a grant from Beijing.

MisrSat 2 is scheduled to leave Cairo on June 28 for China and will undergo final testing there before launch.

The Egyptian Space Agency organized an event at its headquarters to receive the mechanical and electrical model of the satellite from China.

The event was held inside Africa’s most modern building for the assembly, testing, and operation of satellites. This Egyptian Satellite Assembly and Integration Test Center, or AITC, is equipped with the latest equipment and facilities in the field.

MisrSat 2 is a joint project between the Egyptian Space Agency and its Chinese counterpart, said Al-Rafei.

According to the EGSA, Egypt’s possession of space technology has become a necessity to achieve the country’s goals of sustainable development and economic growth.

Al-Rafei said MisrSat 2 is a qualitative leap in the field of space technology, adding that the satellite, weighing 350 kg, has high-resolution imaging capabilities of up to 2 meters above the ground in black and white and 8 meters in color.

The satellite’s lifespan in space is five years from launch, he said.

Al-Rafei said MisrSat 2 was assembled and tested in the AITC’s first trial operation at the EGSA’s headquarters.

According to the EGSA, MisrSat 2 is a benchmark project for practical cooperation in aerospace between China and Egypt under the former’s Belt and Road initiative.

The EGSA was established in 2018 to create, transfer, and localize space technology development and own the capabilities to build and launch satellites from Egyptian territory.