Hosting of Virtual Space Data Centre taking shape

Global leader in aerospace technology and geo-information, Airbus and the University of Science and Technology (NUST) met this week with national Space Data Centre stakeholders to explore the benefits of Earth observation solutions for the country.

The workshop hosted in Windhoek followed an agreement between NUST and Airbus held in February to collaborate in establishing a Virtual Space Data Centre for Sub-Sahara Africa, to be hosted by the university to assist in monitoring and growing key elements of the national economy according to spokesman for Airbus, Linden Birns said on Tuesday that the

The government has delegated NUST to host the country’s Institute for Space Technology with the mandate to implement the Virtual Space Data Centre as part of its strategic plan for developing the local aerospace, geo-information, earth observation and spatial science capabilities.

“Namibia is a key market for Airbus in Sub-Sahara Africa and this initial project is a starting point for a broader relationship with our partners at the NUST and the Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation, which will include other aerospace themes,” said Head of Airbus Defence and Space for Africa, Middle East, France and UK, Jean-Marc Nasr.

Airbus’ space data is widely used by governments, research institutes, businesses and various other organizations around the world in a number of fields.