6th AF-SGW Working Groups

The 6h African Space Generation Workshop (AF-SGW) is a platform that brings together students and young professionals with agency and industry representatives from across the African continent to connect, exchange ideas and knowledge, and contribute to and help shape the future of the space sector in Africa. The event will consist of several Panel Discussions, Working Group Sessions and Keynotes from Academia and Industry Experts over two days. Each delegate will be assigned into one of 6 working groups, and each group will include a Case study, Subject Matter Expert, Moderator & Rapporteur (A report will be prepared on a discussion topic after the workshop and will be submitted to the UN COPUOS meeting). A variety of Space related topics will be thoroughly discussed in Panels and working groups including: 

Working group 1
Metaverse technology for Space capacity building – Dr. Jim Green & MetaVisionaries

In global terms, the metaverse is where the real world and the digital world merge, communication and interaction should feel as if people were in the same room, even though they are actually located geographically at opposite points on the globe. The global accessibility to the metaverse can lead to endless future possibilities. Virtual client meetings, conferences, health appointments, virtual lessons from high school to universities, education courses in general are all possibilities, thanks to the metaverse. By 2030, the metaverse economy can create more than 40,000 virtual jobs.In this vein, the aim of the WG is to discuss future uses of the metaverse in space education and access to experts from around the world.

Sponsor
Metavisionaries

  

 

Working group 2
The Role of Satellites in Bridging the Digital Divide in Africa – Mr. Radim Badsi 

High-speed Internet access has become vital to the success of individuals and communities. From education to health care to economic opportunity, it has become a necessity in almost every aspect of our modern life. As fibre optic networks are being rolled out in major cities, many less affluent and/or remote areas, and the people who live there, are left behind. Can satellites provide a reliable, affordable and sustainable solution for connectivity across the entire African continent, including such areas? Is it possible to speed up deployment by combining satellite connectivity with existing or new terrestrial networks? Which SDGs can be addressed by providing a universal internet access for all?

Sponsor
Groundspace 

  

 

Working group 3
Development and Testing of Spacecraft Propulsion Systems & Green Propellants for Space Propulsion – Dr. Nabil Souhair & Prof. Rachid Amrousse  

The Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP) technology is an enabler for unlocking innovative space mission scenarios such as Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) missions which are beneficial for remote sensing and telecommunications. The main challenge posed by these missions is due to the residual atmosphere that drags down the satellite at lower altitudes. The mission lifetime can be dramatically increased employing the ABEP systems, which consist of an electric propulsion system combined with an intake that collects the thermosphere’s particles (e.g., molecular nitrogen N2 and atomic oxygen O) which in turn are employed as propellant. The most evident advantage of such a system is that the satellite does not need a propellant tank as the propellant is retrieved directly from the atmosphere which makes it an ideal green solution for enabling innovative scenarios such as VLEO missions and planetary exploration of the solar system.

  

Research question:

In view of a future increasing maturity of the ABEP technology the aim of this WG is to discuss the exploitation of such technology for the exploration of other celestial bodies in the solar system, for example Mars, Venus and other planets who present a gaseous atmosphere.

Sponsors

Moroccan Initiative for Space Industry & Université Chouaib Doukkali

 

Working group 4
Utilization of Advanced Remote Sensing & the use of Space Technologies for healthcare, for Satellite Image Processing and sustainability in Africa – Mrs. Maria Gabriella Sarah & Mr. ‪Joseph TUYISHIMIRE 

Space technology became a major pile in the functioning of our world. During the pandemic, space was a major means of the development of tangible applications that address terrestrial healthcare Issues resonating with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as well as facilitating human space exploration. Moreover, advanced space capacities have shown an essential role in tackling day to day challenges and sustaining the development of nations.

  • How can we sustain the use of satellite data for healthcare and sustainability uses?
  • How can advanced remote sensing technologies and optimization of  the image processing for the sustainable development of the continent? 

Sponsor

SGAC

  

 

Working Group 5
James Webb Space Telescope- Dr. Eric Smith

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a space telescope which conducts infrared astronomy. As the largest optical telescope in space, its high resolution and sensitivity allow it to view objects too old, distant, or faint for the Hubble Space Telescope. This will enable investigations across many fields of astronomy and cosmology, such as observation of the first stars, the formation of the first galaxies, and detailed atmospheric characterization of potentially habitable exoplanets. During this working group our subject matter expert Dr.Eric Smith,James Webb Space Telescope Deputy Program Director at NASA, will cover the lifecycle story of the James Webb Space Telescope from its inception, development, and operation to highlights from its ongoing Cycle 1 science program. Working group  participants will learn how they can access publicly available Webb data and hear about contributions citizen scientists have made to Webb.

 Sponsors

The US Embassy in Morocco & NASA 

  

 

Working Group 6
Commercial Space and the legal framework in the african continent – Mr.  Guido Schwartz & Dr.Farid Gamgami

The African continent have known during the last two decades an outstanding and fast growing  increase in the space activities. Not only through governmental actors but also through the private sector and New Space companies. These new players  are a strategic pillar for the growth of a sustainable space ecosystem on Africa. 

  • How can commercial actors help in the prosperity of the continents?
  • How can the governments support the private sector ?
  • How can a defined legal framework help in sustaining the fast paced growth of the space economy in the continent?
  • How can the countries with an advanced space ecosystem support other African countries?
  

Working group 7
The Industrialist in the African Space Environment – Nicomatic

NICOMATIC wants to develop its space activity on the african continent. Many companies are growing in the market. Nevertheless, there are still multiple challenges faced as an industrials on different levels: 

  • HR : Integration of the african talents in the growth of the company and the continent
  • African continent prosperity: How to integrate manufacturers like Nicomatic into African space development? How can we better share our expertise? 
  • One Stop Shop: How to facilitate the sourcing of solutions/products?

This working group aims to help NICOMATIC specifically and industrials in general to take part in the space industry growth in the region.

Sponsor

Nicomatic