The National Authority for Remote Sensing & Space Sciences (NARSS) stands as Egypt’s oldest governmental institute dedicated to space technology and remote sensing, with its origins dating back to 1971 when it operated as a Center for Sensing and Space Technology. In its early phase, NARSS played a pivotal role in receiving and processing data, including valuable information from Landsat, through its ground receiving station.
Over the years, NARSS has undergone substantial development and transformation. In 1991, it reached a significant milestone, attaining the status of a national authority through a Presidential decree. This elevation empowered NARSS to concentrate on research, technological advancements, and applications in remote sensing and space technology. By 1994, it was officially established as a governmental National Research Institute with a specific mission to advance remote sensing applications and space technology in Egypt. NARSS is committed to core objectives centered around capacity development and strengthening in space technology and remote sensing, contributing significantly to the development of advanced applications in these areas by consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation and research.
In this interview, Prof Islam Abou El-Magd, the President of NARSS, sheds light on how the institute has played a substantial role in shaping Egypt’s and Africa’s involvement and advancements in space exploration and technology.
Could you offer a summary of NARSS’s achievements in promoting sustainable development through remote sensing and space sciences since its establishment?
One of our most significant achievements was the successful design, production, and launch of Egypt’s inaugural Earth observation (EO) satellite, EgyptSat-1. Executed by a team of approximately 65 skilled engineers in Egypt, the satellite’s subsystems were meticulously constructed and assembled. Launched in April 2007, EgyptSat-1 operated flawlessly, remaining in orbit and transmitting data until October 2010. This triumph marked our entry into the realm of space technology and earth intelligence.
Following the success of EgyptSat-1, we continued our progress by developing two nanosatellites, NARSScube-1 and NARSScube-2, launched in 2019. These nanosatellites showcased NARSS’s ability to design, fabricate, and launch compact cubesats into orbit, further asserting Egypt’s standing in the global space community. Our commitment to advancing satellite technology is evident in the development of various camera payloads and software, aimed at enhancing imaging capabilities for applications such as agriculture and environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster management.
Another noteworthy achievement involved the modulation and upgrade of our data-receiving station. Through enhanced capabilities, the station can now receive a wide spectrum of satellite data, including information from renowned missions like Landsat and the SPOT (Satellite Pour l’Observation de la Terre) program. This upgrade underscores our dedication to expanding remote sensing capabilities, ensuring we stay at the forefront of satellite data reception and analysis.
Additionally, our collaborations with other space agencies and institutions involve engagement in payload integration projects, where we contribute our expertise to missions featuring multiple satellite components. These collaborative efforts not only strengthen our presence in the international space community but also foster knowledge exchange, driving advancements in space technology.
“How does NARSS implement strategies or approaches to cultivate local, national, and international collaborations, aligning with Egypt’s strategic objectives in the fields of remote sensing and space sciences?”
As a distinguished research institute operating under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, our mandate is to conduct cutting-edge research and enhance capacity development. Our close integration with universities allows us to establish partnerships that result in diverse educational opportunities, ranging from summer courses and short-term training programs to professional diplomas. We also provide avenues for ambitious engineers to pursue Master’s and PhD degrees.
Our collaboration with universities and educational institutions enables us to offer a range of physical and online courses in space technology and its applications. This approach expedites the comprehensive development of talented Egyptian engineers.
Likewise, we are committed to contributing to the National Agenda 2030 and aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This commitment enables us to offer various applications and services that contribute to Egypt’s overall progress and development. Our crucial role extends to vital sectors such as agriculture and food security, environment, mineral resources, urban planning, and coastal and marine management. Utilizing advanced remote sensing and space technology, we furnish valuable information, data, and reports to the government, supporting decision-making processes and strategic planning.
For example, our applications in agriculture and food security assist in monitoring and assessing crop health, promoting better agricultural practices and increased productivity. In environmental management, we employ our resources to monitor and address issues such as oil spills in our marine economic zone, contributing to environmental conservation and protection. Our data-driven insights benefit urban planning, aiding authorities in efficient city development and infrastructure management. Moreover, our expertise extends to coastal and marine applications, providing valuable information for the sustainable use and conservation of marine resources.
Our strong emphasis on partnerships and collaborations with various stakeholders, including universities and research institutes, creates a robust knowledge exchange and capacity-building ecosystem. This approach empowers our researchers, youth, and academia, enabling them to actively contribute to advancing space technology and its applications both domestically and globally.
NARSS has participated in three satellite projects, namely EgyptSat-1, NARSScube 1, and NARSScube 2. What upcoming satellite projects does NARSS currently have in development? Could you share some details about their intended purposes and the expected impact they aim to achieve?
Currently, NARSS is actively developing a 6U satellite specifically dedicated to agricultural monitoring, revolutionizing the tracking and analysis of agricultural activities from space. The completion of this satellite is anticipated within the next 18 months, with a potential launch window in either Q4 2024 or Q1 2025. This ambitious project involves collaborative efforts between engineers and academic staff within NARSS’s space technology division.
The satellite aims to utilize cutting-edge remote sensing technologies to collect crucial data on agricultural practices, crop health, land usage, and environmental factors. This data will facilitate informed decision-making, empowering agricultural stakeholders to optimize productivity, resource allocation, and sustainability efforts.
Advancing from the mission definition stage, this project will be entirely manufactured in NARSS’s laboratory, reinforcing the institution’s industrial capacity in space technology. The goal is to conduct multiple exercises and missions to ensure the ongoing competitiveness of Egypt’s space industry. By consistently pushing the boundaries of capabilities, NARSS aims to solidify Egypt’s position in the global space arena, making significant contributions to space exploration and technology advancements.
The team at NARSS is diligently working towards the realization of this groundbreaking project, eagerly anticipating the moment when the satellite takes flight and commences its mission to transform the future of agriculture in the region.
In response to the question of team composition, most experienced engineers and senior staff who worked on previous satellites are now part of the Egypt Space Agency. However, NARSS has actively recruited a new generation of engineers to ensure continuity and expanded capabilities. Academic staff members continue to be involved in satellite projects, collaborating with the new team.
Beyond scientific research, NARSS envisions exploring commercial opportunities and collaborations with other industries to utilize the satellite technology it develops. The institution recognizes the importance of comprehensive data for practical applications, forming partnerships with other satellite operators to combine data from multiple sources. This collaborative approach enables the provision of ready-made applications and services that align with government and societal demands.
NARSS is actively contributing to the development and growth of the domestic space industry. Efforts are underway to transform its receiving station into a universal receiving station offering services to North Africa, Africa, and beyond. Discussions are ongoing with various vendors and partners to establish agreements enabling the station to receive data from numerous satellites, expanding its coverage to large geographical areas in Africa.
To promote scientific culture in society, NARSS organizes awareness sessions and has established a virtual reality lab for students to experience augmented reality related to space technology. The institution conducts summer schools, online and in-person training internships, and develops curricula for remote sensing and space technology to build a scientifically aware and well-equipped generation.
Despite challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and global political situations, NARSS remains dedicated to pursuing its goals through strategic partnerships. The institution is integrating with the African Space Agency to make a broader contribution to the African community regarding space technology and applications.
Looking ahead, NARSS is developing a software framework dedicated to remote sensing applications and promoting the integration of AI algorithms. The institution is actively working on integrating multiple data sources, leveraging deep learning and machine learning technologies to offer comprehensive services that harness the potential of diverse data streams. NARSS aspires to position itself as a leading institution offering innovative solutions to society while contributing significantly to Egypt’s economy and supporting the broader African agenda. The institution aims to continue serving stakeholders effectively and position itself as a financially sustainable and impactful research institute.
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