TFIGlobal
TFIGlobal
TFIPOST English
TFIPOST हिन्दी
No Result
View All Result
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean
TFIGlobal
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean
No Result
View All Result
TFIGlobal
TFIGlobal
No Result
View All Result
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean

Angola’s space jump adds another feather to the “African space odyssey”

Michael Mahanta by Michael Mahanta
January 30, 2023
in Africa, Geopolitics
Angosat-2 satellite
Share on FacebookShare on X

Angosat-2 satellite: The memories of Angola’s civil war are painful. Between 1975 and 2002, Angola was locked in one of the world’s bloodiest wars. It lasted for 27 long years and left nearly 1 million people dead and displaced 4 million. It left the country in ruins. As the country today still fights its battles on many fronts, at the same time, it has also been able to achieve a few milestones along the way. In this transition, the country is marching on to space.

Angola’s first satellite control center

Angolan President João Lourenço recently inaugurated the country’s first satellite control center. The main task of the satellite control center is to monitor the activity of the satellite “ANGOSAT 2” which was launched in October, last year with the help of Russia. The launch of the Angosat-2 satellite and its commissioning will improve Angola’s telecommunications.

Also Read

Russia’s ‘Military Expansion’ in Venezuela: ‘New Ammunition Hub’ to challenge U.S. Pax Americana?

Why Does Russia See NATO as a Direct Threat? Explains Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

“Sudden Russian Death Syndrome”: Russian Transport Minister found DEAD hour after Putin fired from office

Angosat-2 satellite (Source: Ver Angola)

As per the report, the Satellite Mission and Control Center is an intelligent infrastructure with multiple engineering advantages, capable of guaranteeing the tracking, monitoring, and operation of satellites, in this case, the ANGOSAT-2 satellite.

Angola’s space journey with Russian thrust

Angola launched its first telecom satellite, the Angosat-1, in 2017, which was built following an agreement between Angola and Russia in 2009. It cost Luanda $360 million. However, it failed and the satellite disappeared into space. The construction of Angosat-2 satellite, began at no additional cost to Angola, as the contract signed with Russia covered the construction of a new one in case of the disappearance or destruction of Angosat-1.

(Source: Modern Diplomacy)

In October 2022 , Angolan AngoSat-2 telecommunications satellite was successfully launched atop a Russian Proton-M carrier rocket from the Baikonur spaceport. On October 13, the satellite was delivered into its designated orbit and placed under control.

The satellite is expected to reduce the digital divide and improve telecommunications signal in the most remote areas of the country and Africa. It will provide communications services for the Angolan government for at least 15 years as it is expected to be in orbit for 15-18 years. Further, the satellite also has the capacity to cover the African continent and part of Southern Europe.

(Source: Space in Africa)

In addition, Angola joined the league of African countries that have intensified their efforts to develop their respective space programs.

Read more: A proud moment for South Africa. It is all set to build the world’s largest Radio Astronomy Instrument

However, from a geopolitical perspective, Russia’s helping hand to Angola is also significant. The ruling MPLA has maintained tight connections with Russia throughout its rule. Angola had also abstained from the U.N. resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But, contradictorily, a few months back, it sought to broaden its foreign policy and showed signs of tilting towards the West.

Read More: Angola switched its ties from Russia to US, and now its sovereignty is in danger

Thus, Russia’s move to help the country build its space program could be a way to maintain its stronghold over the country which is resource heaven and also strategically relevant in the Gulf of Guinea along with it keeping the western powers at bay. Nevertheless, Angola’s space program today is a result of its perseverance, and the country has added another feather to its cap as Africa marches ahead with its space ambitions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMNVJ7Im5Is

Tags: AngolaAngoSat-1AngoSat-2Joao LourencoMPLARussiasatellitespace program
ShareTweetSend
Michael Mahanta

Michael Mahanta

Columnist, TFI Media. Creating art through my articles.

Also Read

Russia's Military Expansion in Venezuela

Russia’s ‘Military Expansion’ in Venezuela: ‘New Ammunition Hub’ to challenge U.S. Pax Americana?

July 9, 2025
Germany Accuses China of 'Laser Attack on its Aircraft' in the Red Sea

Germany Accuses China of ‘Laser Attack on its Aircraft’ in the Red Sea, Chinese Ambassador summoned: Analysis

July 8, 2025
Why Does Russia See NATO as a Direct Threat? Explains Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

Why Does Russia See NATO as a Direct Threat? Explains Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

July 8, 2025
Inside Mossad’s Spy Network in Iran: Former Officer Reveals Secrets of Recruitment and Operations

Inside Mossad’s Spy Network in Iran: Former Officer Reveals Secrets of Recruitment and Operations

July 8, 2025
Trump-Netanyahu Meet: Israel Gaza Ceasefire on Table? Is Iran Next? (Picture Credit: The Telegraph)

Trump-Netanyahu Meet: Israel Gaza Ceasefire on Table? Is Iran Next?

July 8, 2025
Trump Takes a U-Turn (Picture Credit: BBC)

Trump Takes a U-Turn: ‘More Weapons’ on the Way for Ukraine

July 8, 2025
Youtube Twitter Facebook
TFIGlobalTFIGlobal
Right Arm. Round the World. FAST.
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • TFIPOST – English
  • TFIPOST हिन्दी
  • Careers
  • Brand Partnerships
  • Terms of use
  • Privacy Policy

©2025 - TFI MEDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Indo-Pacific
  • Americas
  • Canada
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • West Asia
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • The Caribbean
TFIPOST English
TFIPOST हिन्दी

©2025 - TFI MEDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. View our Privacy and Cookie Policy.