Kenya has made a significant leap in space science with the launch of the Transient Array Radio Telescope (TART), positioning itself as the fourth country globally to possess this advanced technology. The low-cost, open-source radio telescope is now operational in Kenya, alongside New Zealand, South Africa, and Mauritius.
The TART is designed to continuously monitor the sky, detecting transient phenomena such as satellites, near-Earth objects, and high-energy cosmic rays. “This technology will enhance our ability to monitor space phenomena and contribute to climate research,” said a representative from the Kenya Space Agency (KSA).
Last week, KSA hosted a week-long workshop at the Technical University of Kenya, bringing together astronomers and researchers from leading institutions, including Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and the University of Nairobi. The workshop aimed to improve Kenya’s proficiency in radio astronomy and familiarize participants with the TART telescope’s operations.
“Radio telescopes are crucial for investigating the radio frequencies emitted by celestial objects, and this workshop has equipped our researchers with essential skills,” the KSA representative added.
In collaboration with the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory and the Electronic Research Foundation of New Zealand, KSA is committed to advancing Kenya’s space capabilities. Plans are underway to establish an Astronomical Observatory in Kitui later this year, further solidifying Kenya’s role as a leader in Africa’s burgeoning space industry.
