Egypt has received a set of satellites from China as part of a programme to improve that nation’s ability to put satellites together, integrate them, and test them.
Egypt has received a set of satellites from China as part of a programme to improve that nation’s ability to put satellites together, integrate them, and test them. In March, Egypt received two satellite prototypes from China and one flight model. The satellite assembly and testing facility of Egyptian Space Agency handled the final assembly and testing.
The organisation held a ceremony on June 25 to commemorate the event. 2019 saw the start of the MisrSat II Satellite and AIT Center implementation phase, which was funded by China. The flight model will be shipped to China in time for the second half of this year’s launch.
According to Sherif Sedky, CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency, MisrSat II will have a resolution of roughly two metres and effectively contribute to the Egypt Vision 2030 for sustainable development.
According to Chinese state media, once the project is finished, Egypt will have the integrated capability to build and test satellites.
Egypt can conduct tests on its assembly, testing, and large-scale experimental systems, including mechanical and thermal systems, through the development of electric and mechanical thermal control models of satellites. This, according to Cui Yufu, chief designer of the MisrSat II satellite project, ensures Egypt’s future aerospace industry development.
China’s partnership with countries with limited space industry capacity differs from previous engagements. The country offers turnkey projects, including satellite manufacture, launch, and financing mechanisms. It has launched communications satellites for Belarus, Laos, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Nigeria, and recently launched Horus-1 and -2 satellites for Egypt.
However, Egypt will receive technology and know-how through this new project, which is recognized as a component of China’s strategic Belt and Road Initiative.
China’s shift from turnkey projects to technology and know-how transfer elements suggests it may be emulating similar programs, such as South Korea’s relationship with the UAE, which led to satellite development and knowledge export, and the numerous technology transfer projects between SSTL in the UK and emerging space programs, according to Ian Christensen, director of private sector programs at Secure World Foundation.
China is aiming to establish a space technology center in Abu Dhabi, following the UAE’s ambitious missions. Origin Space, the National Space Science and Technology Centre, and the University of Hong Kong signed letters of intent to establish a center. Chinese entities have also entered agreements with Gulf countries in the past year.
China has substantial economic and diplomatic interests in Africa, where it has been fostering relations and obtaining funding for infrastructure development. The Belt and Road Initiative’s connection to the Misr II satellite project shows how important China considers space and satellite technology to its efforts to forge relationships in Africa.
The initiative is a part of a larger struggle for collaboration and access to African markets. For their Artemis and ILRS moon initiatives, the U.S. and China are looking for partners. China wants to formalise agreements with the founding members of the ILRS Cooperation Organization, while India signed the Artemis Accords.