Connect with us

E-Business

Yahsat Launches new Satellite for Africa

Published

on

Kindly share this post

United Arab Emirates-based satellite operator Yahsat has launched its third commercial satellite, Al Yah 3, despite a rare anomaly and trajectory deviation leading to a loss of communication in the early stages of the launch.

The Al Yah 3 satellite is supposed to expand Yahsat’s commercial Ka-band coverage to an additional 19 markets in Africa, reaching 60% of the continent’s population, as well as providing coverage to 95% of Brazil.

The Ariane 5 rocket lifted off at 22:20 GMT on 25 January from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana carrying two satellites, the SES-14 and Al Yah 3 communications satellites, as well as a hosted payload for NASA.

However, the mission experienced some challenges early on and a trajectory deviation resulted in both satellites being inserted into an orbit that differed from the flight plan.

The SES-14 satellite was supposed to separate from the Ariane 5 rocket 27 minutes into the flight and Al Yah 3 was to separate eight minutes later. At first it seemed SES-14 had separated as planned but the separation of Al Yah 3 could not be confirmed. A tense 25 minutes followed.

Finally, Arianespace CEO Stephane Israel came to the podium to announce Ariane 5 had experienced an “anomaly”. A loss of telemetry had occurred and the satellites’ locations were unclear.

Later, Arianespace confirmed the telemetry issue actually happened nine minutes and 26 seconds into the flight when ground-tracking stations lost contact with the Ariane 5 launcher. Initial investigations show the situation resulted from a trajectory deviation.

“A few seconds after ignition of the upper stage, the second tracking station located in Natal, Brazil, did not acquire the launcher telemetry. This lack of telemetry lasted throughout the rest of powered flight,” Arianespace explained in a statement.

“Subsequently, both satellites were confirmed separated, acquired and they are in orbit. SES-14 and Al Yah 3 are communicating with their respective control centres. Both missions are continuing,” the group added.

Yahsat later confirmed its satellite “is healthy and operating nominally”.

“A revised flight plan will be executed in order to achieve the operational orbit and fulfil the original mission,” Yahsat said.

“We are pleased to know the satellite is healthy, and that the necessary steps are being taken to ensure the original mission is fulfilled,” said Yahsat CEO Masood M Sharif Mahmood.

Al Yah 3, an all Ka-band satellite, is the first hybrid electric propulsion GEOStar-3 satellite completed by American aerospace manufacturer, Orbital ATK.

“Based on data from initial communications, I can report that Al Yah 3 is in orbit, healthy and responding to commands from our mission operations team,” said Frank Culbertson, president of Orbital ATK’s Space Systems Group.

It is still unclear why the rocket and satellites went off course but the Orbital ATK and Yahsat team say they are “working on a strategy to most efficiently get the satellite back into the original planned orbit”.

Post-launch it will be a few months before satellite services are commercially available. Yahsat said operations and testing may range from two to four months. In-orbit testing usually takes six weeks, but it could take an additional week because of the trajectory deviation. SES said that because of the anomaly, its satellite would need an additional four weeks to reach its allocated orbital slot.

The launch anomaly was highly unusual as the Ariane 5 had completed 82 consecutive launches since 2003 without incident. Arianespace has set up an independent investigation commission chaired by the European Space Agency’s general inspector to establish what caused the anomaly.

Despite this, Arianespace says the upcoming launch campaigns currently under way at the Guiana Space Centre will proceed as scheduled.


Kindly share this post

Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

E-Business

NITDA, NIMC Partner for Seamless Data Exchange Capabilities

Published

on

Kindly share this post

National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have announced a collaboration on National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to enhance synergy between digital identity, payment ecosystems and secure seamless data exchange capabilities for Nigeria.

NITDA, NIMC Partner for Seamless Data Exchange Capabilities

l-r: Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of NITDA, and Bisoye Coker-Odusote,  Director General of NIMC, during the meeting at the NIMC headquarters in Abuja..

NITDA, which made the announcement on its X handle, said that the collaboration was to further strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,

During the meeting, Kashifu Inuwa, director general of NITDA, and Bisoye Coker-Odusote, director general of NIMC, with some management staff of both organisations, discussed various initiatives, which include building DPI stacks for a secured and seamless data exchange and forming partnerships to transform the national identity system.

This collaboration also aims to harness the potential of the innovative ecosystem and emphasise the use of public-key infrastructure (PKI) to drive digital transformation in Nigeria.

To ensure a smooth implementation, a 12-man committee was set up.

This committee will play a crucial role in kickstarting and harmonising the initiatives and is expected to deliver a comprehensive implementation report within the next 4 weeks.

 

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

E-Business

Expert Urges FG to Harmonise NIN, BVN to Tackle Crimes

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Noble Ajuonu, head, Sydani Technologies Ltd., has urged the Federal Government to harmonise National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to tackle crimes and insecurity in the country.

Expert Urges FG to Harmonise NIN, BVN to Tackle Crimes

Ajuonu made the call at a media roundtable, organised by Sydani Group in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable focuses on driving sustainability through a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria’s key development areas.

Ajuonu said that Nigeria could overcome its security challenges and pave the way for a safer, more secure future for all Nigerians by embracing technology and implementing practical solutions,

“We need to harmonise data, prioritise seamless integration of databases like NIN, BVN, and security agency records, establish clear protocols for data sharing and access, with robust safeguards against misuse,’’ expert said.

According to him, the unified data pool will empower intelligence gathering and targeted operations.

He also called for investments in smart surveillance, intelligent video analytics software, training of personnel in data analysis, interpretation of data in real-time to combat crimes.

“There is need to implement a legal framework for call interception in criminal investigations, with strict oversight to prevent abuse, encourage community cohesion, training of tech savvy security personnel with tech-enabled tools.’’

Ajuonu also urged the government to address infrastructure deficit in technology, saying that technology was all encompassing to address insecurity.

“According to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), as of December 2023, only 104.2 million Nigerians had been enrolled for the National Identity Number (NIN).’’

Ajuonu added that over 122.2 million citizens left uncaptured for NIN were people in rural areas where enrolment centres, digital services were limited.

“Most crimes are being perpetuated from rural communities and this lack of comprehensive identification creates a gap where elements not captured in the national database can constitute public nuisance, crimes.

“There is the inadequacy in the integration of NIN, BVN and Voters Identification Number (VIN).

“Advanced call interception and analysis tools, used successfully in other countries, could provide invaluable insights into criminal networks and operations but infrastructure is lacking,’’ he said.

Also, Mr Godfrey Petgrave, the Agricultural Expert, Sydani Group, called for empowerment of smallholder farmers with access to finance and training to enhance productivity.

According to Petgrave, Nigeria requires policy reform and institutional strengthening to improve agricultural practices and embrace digital agriculture solutions to address food insecurity.

Mr Akolade Jimoh, another expert of the group on health, advocated for expanded community-based health insurance programmes for rural and underserved areas.

Jimoh added that the country needed to encourage Public Private Partnership to revolutionise products design and quality improvement on health services.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

E-Business

Konga launches Infinix Brand Week with Incredible Deals

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce group, is thrilled to announce the launch of amazing deals at its Infinix Brand Week. Infinix, a leading global smartphone brand known for its innovative products and cutting-edge technology promises exclusive discounts and special offers on select smartphones, marking an exciting milestone in the realm of online shopping.

Shoppers can expect nothing short of extraordinary deals on a wide range of Infinix products, all available exclusively on the Konga online platform. With discounts of up to 30% off, this partnership between Konga and Infinix aims to redefine the shopping experience for tech enthusiasts across Nigeria.

Konga Brand Week has become synonymous with excitement and unbeatable deals, and this year’s edition is no exception. In addition to exclusive discounts on Infinix smartphones, shoppers can explore a diverse array of products across various categories, including electronics, fashion, home essentials, and more.

“At Konga, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best shopping experience possible,” said Rita Ohaedoghasi, VP Marketing at Konga. “The Infinix Week during Konga Brand Week allows us to continue delivering on that promise by offering incredible discounts and special offers on some of the most sought-after smartphones in the market.”

To stay updated on the latest developments and exclusive deals during Konga Brand Week, shoppers are encouraged to connect with Konga across all platforms, including social media and the Konga website. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to score big savings and elevate your tech game with Infinix and Konga.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending