ZINGSA - Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency

About ZINGSA

Promoting the peaceful use of space and applying geospatial and space technologies to support Zimbabwe's socio-economic development and industrialization

The Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) is a wholly government-owned entity established in terms of the Research Act [Chapter 10:22] and officially launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2018. ZINGSA is responsible for promoting the peaceful use of space and applying geospatial and space technologies to support Zimbabwe's socio-economic development and industrialization.

Vision

To harness space technology for national development of Zimbabwe. We envision a future where space science and geospatial technologies drive sustainable economic growth, enhance agricultural productivity, improve disaster management, and position Zimbabwe as a leading space-faring nation in Africa.

Mission

To build Zimbabwe into a space power hub through cutting edge research capable of making innovations and scientific discoveries. We achieve this by developing satellite technologies, advancing geospatial applications, conducting space science research, and building human capacity to support the nation's industrialization and modernization goals.

Core Values

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Integrity Honesty & truthfulness

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Reliability Consistent services

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Excellence Committed to be the best

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Teamwork Working with partners

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Growth Always innovating

Key Functions and Mandate

Research and Development

Conducting research in Geospatial Sciences, Earth Observation, Space Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Space Science, Satellite Communication Systems, and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).

National Planning

Utilizing satellite data and geospatial intelligence for national development initiatives, such as revising Zimbabwe's Agro-Ecological Zones, developing the Zimbabwe Wetlands Master Plan, and identifying illegal settlements to promote orderly urban development.

Agriculture Support

Providing critical insights for the agricultural sector, including crop yield estimation, health monitoring, precision agriculture services using drone technology, and agro-ecological mapping to assist farmers with input decisions.

Environmental & Disaster Management

Monitoring environmental hazards like veld fires and land degradation, assessing climate variability, and assisting with disaster management and response efforts.

Infrastructure & Data Management

Driving the development of a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) to standardize and integrate spatial data across various sectors, and managing the ZINGSACORS Network for accurate real-time positioning data.

Capacity Building

Investing in human capital development by training engineers and scientists in space technology and encouraging the return of skilled Zimbabweans living abroad.

Key Achievements

ZimSat-1 Launch

ZINGSA successfully launched Zimbabwe's first satellite, ZimSat-1, in November 2022. The satellite is used for monitoring drought conditions, mapping mining activities, assessing crop health, and generating accurate weather forecasts.

ZimSat-2

Zimbabwe's second satellite mission, building on the success of ZIMSAT-1, expanding the nation's capabilities in space technology and Earth observation.

Agro-Ecological Zones Mapping

Successfully revised Zimbabwe's Agro-Ecological Zones using satellite data and geospatial intelligence to support agricultural planning and decision-making across the entire country.

Wetland Mapping - Whole of Zimbabwe

Developed the comprehensive Zimbabwe Wetlands Master Plan 2021 through extensive satellite-based mapping and analysis, covering the entire nation to support environmental conservation and sustainable development.

CORS Network

Established and operationalized the Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) Network across Zimbabwe, providing accurate real-time positioning data for surveying, precision agriculture, and geophysical research.

Scientist Recognition & Awards

ZINGSA scientists and engineers have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to space science and technology, receiving prestigious awards for innovation and research excellence.

Recognition & Awards

ZINGSA's commitment to innovation and excellence has been recognized through prestigious awards and partnerships.

Presidential Innovation Award

ZINGSA, in collaboration with ZETDC, received the Presidential Innovation Award for outstanding contributions to technological advancement and innovation in Zimbabwe.

Innovation Excellence

Recognition for innovative solutions in space technology and geospatial applications that contribute to national development goals.

Official Launch

ZINGSA was officially launched by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2018, marking a historic milestone in Zimbabwe's space journey.

Partnerships & Collaboration

ZINGSA works with international partners, research institutions, and industry leaders to advance space technology and build capacity in Zimbabwe. Our collaborative approach ensures knowledge transfer and access to cutting-edge technologies.

Our Divisions

Five specialized divisions delivering comprehensive services and technologies contributing to Zimbabwe's national development and industrialization

Space Engineering

Provides engineering advice and assistance to ZINGSA programmes, innovations for space from concept to applications, and educates scientists and engineers to inspire Space research to better understand the earth, the solar system and beyond.

Engineering Disciplines

Electrical Engineering - Power systems, circuit design, and electronic components for satellites and ground systems
Aeronautical Engineering - Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) design, development, and operations
Mechanical Engineering - Structural design, thermal management, and mechanical systems for space applications
System Engineering - Integration of complex space systems and subsystems
Electronics, Mechatronics & Radio Electronics - Advanced electronics, robotics, and communication systems
Aerospace Engineering - Spacecraft design, propulsion systems, and orbital mechanics

Services & Technologies

Satellite Development: Design and development of CubeSats and small satellites using 3D printing technology
UAV Technology: Development and deployment of drones for precision agriculture, disaster assessment, and mapping
Ground Systems: Design and maintenance of satellite communication centers and ground stations
Testing & Validation: Vibration testing, environmental testing, and system validation for space hardware
Prototyping: Rapid prototyping using advanced manufacturing techniques including 3D printing

Geospatial & Earth Observation

Conducts specialized research and development projects on geospatial applications and earth observation, implementing the national Earth Observation strategy and developing partnerships to strengthen capacity in geospatial and earth observation in Zimbabwe.

Core Services

Satellite Imagery Acquisition: Acquiring, processing, and disseminating space satellite imagery for various applications
Geospatial Intelligence: Providing geospatial intelligence for national planning and decision-making
Remote Sensing: Advanced remote sensing techniques for environmental monitoring and resource management
GIS Services: Geographic Information Systems development and spatial data analysis
Mapping Services: Comprehensive mapping including wetlands, agro-ecological zones, and land use planning

Application Areas

Weather & Climate Monitoring Precision Agriculture Mining & Mineral Exploration Disaster Management Water Resources Ecosystems & Environment Urban Planning Health Applications

Weather & Climate: Near-real-time weather prediction, forecasting, and meteorological satellite sensor calibration
Agriculture: Crop yield estimation, health monitoring, soil moisture content estimation, and agro-ecological mapping
Mining: Mineral exploration, mining activity mapping, and geological surveys
Disaster Management: Flood assessment, drought monitoring, veld fire detection, and disaster response support
Environmental: Wetland mapping, land degradation monitoring, and ecosystem assessment

Technologies & Infrastructure

Satellite imagery processing and analysis systems
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) platforms
Remote sensing data analysis tools
National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) development
Real-time data processing and dissemination systems

Space Operations & Launch Services

Responsible for conducting specialized research and development projects on space exploration missions, satellite command and control operations, and facilitating access to space for ZINGSA missions.

Core Functions

Earth Observation Missions: Preparing and implementing Earth observation satellite missions
Satellite Command & Control: Managing satellite operations, telemetry, and command systems
Ground Station Management: Operating and maintaining satellite communication centers and ground stations
Mission Planning: Strategic planning of space operations and future mission development
Launch Services: Facilitating access to space for ZINGSA missions and payloads
System Integration: Linking various complex operating processes and systems

Infrastructure & Facilities

Mazowe Satellite Center: State-of-the-art satellite communication center for satellite operations
Ground Stations: Multiple ground stations for satellite tracking, telemetry, and command
Communication Networks: Secure communication links between spacecraft, ground stations, and control centers
Mission Control: Operations centers for real-time satellite monitoring and control
Data Processing: Systems for processing and distributing satellite data

Services Offered

Satellite mission planning and execution
Real-time satellite monitoring and control
Ground station operations and maintenance
Telemetry data processing and analysis
Mission support services for space operations
Technology integration for new space systems

Space Science

Champions research to increase understanding of planets beyond Earth's solar system through coordinating scientific research and educational programmes to improve science education and advance space science knowledge.

Research Areas

Space Physics: Study of physical processes in space, including plasma physics and magnetospheric studies
Astrophysics: Research into celestial objects, stellar evolution, and cosmic phenomena
Space Weather: Monitoring and forecasting space weather events that affect Earth's technology and communications
Planetary Science: Research on planets, moons, and planetary systems beyond Earth

Ionospheric Research

Ionospheric Monitoring: Developing and updating ionospheric maps for Zimbabwe using GNSS techniques
Space Weather Forecasting: Monitoring, tracking and forecasting ionospheric perturbations
Model Integration: Integrating Zimbabwean GNSS data into existing ionospheric models for better accuracy
Scintillation Studies: Ionospheric scintillation studies affecting satellite communications
Variability Assessment: Assessment of ionospheric variabilities and their impacts

Services & Applications

Space weather monitoring and forecasting services
Ionospheric data collection and analysis
GNSS signal quality assessment and improvement
Scientific research support and collaboration
Educational programs in space science
Space weather impact assessment on technology

Technologies & Tools

GNSS receivers and data collection systems
Ionospheric monitoring equipment
Space weather prediction models
Scientific data analysis software
Research collaboration platforms

Governance & Administration

Ensures efficient delivery of ZINGSA's mandate by supporting the organization as a whole to focus on its core business and thus attain its targets through the provision of finance and administrative services.

Administration Services

Strategic Planning: Developing business plans, timelines and budgets to perform financial projects
Policy Development: Developing and maintaining standard financial and administrative procedures
Resource Management: Monitoring and managing expenditure within allotted budget
Record Keeping: Ensuring preparation and maintenance of all financial records
Issue Resolution: Identifying and resolving financial and administrative issues

Finance Management

Budget planning and financial forecasting
Financial reporting and accountability
Project financial management
Resource allocation and optimization
Financial compliance and auditing

Human Resources

Talent Acquisition: Recruiting skilled professionals in space science, engineering, and related fields
Capacity Development: Training and development programs for staff
Performance Management: Managing staff performance and career development
Knowledge Management: Preserving and transferring institutional knowledge
Workforce Planning: Strategic workforce planning aligned with ZINGSA's goals

ZINGSA Impact & Collaboration

ZINGSA plays a pivotal role in Zimbabwe's infrastructure development through advanced geospatial technologies, precision equipment, and collaborative partnerships that drive national progress across multiple sectors.

Infrastructure Development & Equipment

Construction Applications: Precision surveying equipment for roads, bridges, buildings, and urban development projects
Mining Operations: Advanced equipment for mineral deposit mapping, mine site monitoring, and environmental compliance
Survey Services: Comprehensive land surveys, boundary demarcation, cadastral mapping, and geodetic surveys

Strategic Partnerships & Collaboration

Collaboration with government agencies, private sector partners, and international organizations
Knowledge transfer and technology sharing initiatives
Coordinated efforts in advancing Zimbabwe's infrastructure capabilities