The satellite will be operated by the National Remote Sensing Center (CNT) and is expected to be launched within four to five years.

Thierry du Pré-Werson, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Spacebel, and Professor Marie-Thérèse, Minister of Higher Education, Universities, Scientific Research and Innovation in the DRC. Photo credit: Spacebel

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has taken a major step toward establishing its presence in the space sector after signing an agreement with Belgian aerospace company Spacebel for the development, deployment and maintenance of its first Earth observation satellite, RDC-SAT.

The satellite will be operated by the National Remote Sensing Centre (CNT) and is expected to be launched within the next four to five years.

Spacebel was selected following several years of negotiations, with the company’s proposal chosen for its strong technical offering and established reputation in the international space industry.

Thierry du Pré-Werson, Chairman of Spacebel’s Board of Directors, said: “After several years of negotiations, the Spacebel proposal was selected on the basis of its very strong technical offer and the company’s excellent reputation. This export success confirms Spacebel’s broad expertise across the space sector. At the same time, it recognises our position as a key player in both the institutional and commercial space markets.”

RDC-SAT will weigh approximately 250 kgs and will be equipped with a hyperspectral optical imaging instrument capable of capturing highly detailed images of Congolese territory. The satellite is expected to provide valuable data for monitoring the country’s vast land area, borders and environment while supporting more efficient management of natural resources.

According to Spacebel, the satellite’s capabilities will benefit a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, mining and forestry. The data generated by the mission will also support scientific research, national mapping initiatives, climate change observation and disaster management efforts.

Beyond the satellite itself, the project includes a knowledge-transfer component aimed at building local expertise. Congolese engineers will receive specialised training to operate the spacecraft and manage the processing and analysis of satellite data from ground facilities.

The initiative represents a breakthrough for the DRC, which has explored multiple satellite projects over the past decade without achieving operational deployment. If completed on schedule, RDC-SAT will become the country’s first operational satellite.

The launch would place the DRC among a select group of African nations that possess indigenous Earth observation capabilities, joining countries such as South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya.

Authorities also view the project as a catalyst for broader technological development, with hopes that it will help cultivate local expertise in advanced technologies and attract greater investment into the country’s growing innovation and technology sectors.