Envisioning the Mauritius Space Program
Towards a future socioeconomic pillar for the Republic of Mauritius
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Background
The First Mauritian Satellite project (MIR-SAT1) has come at an opportune time at the dawn of the New Space Era paving the way for Mauritius, for the first time in its history, to step into Space. With a view to ensuring sustainability of the MIR-SAT1 initiative the MRIC is proposing to develop a Space Program which envisions to become a new socio-economic pillar in the coming decades.
Purpose
The Mauritius Space Program considers how space technology, satellite technology and satellite data could be harnessed in the Mauritian context to contribute to the socio-economic development and innovation landscape of the Country.
Objectives
Capacity building in Satellite / Space Technology
Researching and implementing space-based solutions addressing challenges faced by the blue economy
Strengthening collaborative links with countries advanced in the space/satellite field for development of the technology
Incentivizing new business development around space/satellite data and technology
Space Unit a revenue generating entity
Expected Economic and Social Benefits
Space as a pull factor for capacity building in STEM
The rapidly evolving space technology, the increasing demand for specialized payloads, and the relatively low cost for sending nanosatellites in space altogether stand as strong pull factors for technology upheaval for the Mauritius. Space/satellite technology offer vast opportunities for research development and innovation. Starting at an early age and preparing our next generations to get interested in space and satellite technologies is the next summit that we should aim for. The MRIC has already initiated a series of capacity building exercise to incentivize and encourage children to consider space as a potential field for their career.
Implementing space-based solutions for advising policy
The EEZ of the Republic of Mauritius is difficult to manage due to its significant. Satellite technologies, can play a major role in addressing these challenges. Indeed, complex items such as fish resources, ship traffic, sea related activities, can be managed using satellite data. Therefore, this strengthens the importance of developing a Space Strategy for Mauritius and a Space Roadmap towards realizing these goals.
Strengthening links with international key players in the space field
For the Space Program to have impactful outcomes for Mauritius, it is of prime importance to draft a Roadmap. The MRIC has developed very good working relationships with renowned specialized international space organizations such as JAXA and we could consider initiating drafting of the roadmap in collaboration with these expert institutions. Other key collaborators, such as India and UK have also proposed their help in this connection. Furthermore, there is a number of highly skilled fellow compatriots who are working abroad in the space/satellite technologies abroad. The Mauritian Diaspora could be solicited to provide a helping hand in drafting the Space Policy and Space Roadmap for Mauritius.
Developing a business pillar in the country based on space-related activities
The ‘New Space’ Era makes exploration more accessible compared to the situation a couple of decades ago through constellations of nanosatellite. this has triggerred the emergence of new business opportunities through research and development in a number of areas, including development of specialised subsystems, new and more efficient batteries and solar panels among others. The ideal geolocation of Mauritius allows us to be of great use for commercial satellites to download their data when passing over our region. This opens an opportunity for Mauritius to exploit and opens the door for further developments into new, yet unforeseen, business areas for Mauritius in the space sector.
