GhanaSat1 – Ghana's First Ever Space Satellite Successfully Enters Orbit

The first ever space satellite launched by Ghanaians has successfully made orbit.
The GhanaSat-1, launched by students of the All Nations University College in Koforidua, completed it’s one month journey since it’s launch in June, finally entering orbit today, Friday, July 7.
The satellite was launched from the Kennedy Space Centre in the U.S, with the project costing approximately $50,000. Over 400 people, including the engineers, watched a livestream of the satellite at the University’s premises as it made its journey, erupting into cheers as it reached orbit and sent back its first signals.
The GhanaSat-1 would monitor Ghana’s coastline for mapping purposes, and also aid in our development of satellite and space technology. Ghana is the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to successfully launch an academic satellite which made orbit.
Dr Richard Damoah, who is the project coordinator, said the success of the mission would open doors for application of satellite technology – including even possibly monitoring galamsey activities to help in combating it.
“It has opened the door for us to do a lot of activities from space,” he told the BBC.
“[It would] also help us train the upcoming generation on how to apply satellites in different activities around our region.
“For instance, [monitoring] illegal mining is one of the things we are looking to accomplish.” he added.