In 2024, the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Axiom Space, a US-based company in commercial space infrastructure. This strategic partnership aims to enhance Ghana’s national space capabilities through collaboration in human spaceflight, space science, technology development, and STEM education.
Prerequisites:
• Partnerships with established agencies
• Technical expertise in universities and research centres to design and exploit experiments
• Identification of common needs with partners, identification of capabilities of different partners
• Procurement pathway
• Partner support as needed
• Data policy
• Cybersecurity, data protection, and continuity planning
Cost:
• Ballpark: USD 100k–5M (depending on whether MoU-based collaboration, training, or hardware contribution is included)
• Includes: scoping and signing of agreements (MoUs, PPPs, industrial frameworks), joint workshops and roadmaps, training programmes with industry partners, technology demonstrations and pilot projects, potential co-development of exploration hardware (rovers, payloads, habitats), dissemination of knowledge and integration into local industry
Timeframe:
• Overall: 12–36 mo (for initial frameworks; longer if hardware projects are pursued)
• Phase: scoping & partnership negotiations (3–6 mo), agreement signing & roadmap development (3–6 mo), pilot projects/training/knowledge transfer (6–18 mo), evaluation & scaling (6–12 mo)
Pros:
• Accelerates Development - Industry partnerships boost tech development and grow skilled talent together.
• Leverages Private-Sector Agility and Funding - utilises the speed, flexibility, and investment capacity of private partners.
Reduces Costs and Shares Risks - Joint efforts lower costs and spread development risks.
Considerations:
• Requires Complex Coordination - Managing diverse partners across nations and sectors demands strong governance.
• Challenging Legal and IP Management - Differences in legal systems and IP frameworks can hinder cooperation.