Mauritius' journey to space: first launch success

A moment that sparked lifelong wonder

Even after more than fifty years, Paul (a pseudonym) vividly remembers the moment his fascination with space was ignited. In 1969, as Apollo 11 made its historic landing on the Moon, he was glued to the broadcast, watching from his home in Mauritius, a small island nation tucked away in the Indian Ocean.

A fresh start

As Mauritius embraced its newfound freedom, the Moon landing offered an inspiring symbol of progress and possibility.

From radio waves to telecom success

As a teenager, Paul dived into the world of satellite communications with passion and precision. At just 16, he earned his radio amateur license and joined the Mauritius Amateur Radio Society (MARS), setting the stage for a thriving career in telecom.

Launching Mauritius into space

The KiboCUBE program, still active today, empowers countries to grow their space exploration capabilities. It offers the chance to design and launch CubeSats—compact, functional satellites weighing around 2 kilograms (4.4 lbs)—directly from the International Space Station.

MRIC teams up with Scotland

Over the course of a year, the MRIC then collaborated with AAC Clyde Space, a Scottish company specializing in satellite manufacturing, to design, build, and test a CubeSat. 

Antennas and licenses

Paul's expertise allowed the team to successfully install and fine-tune a critical communications antenna. They also navigated the regulatory landscape to secure essential licenses from the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU).

Mauritius reaches for the stars

Together, they watched as the Mauritius Imagery and Radiotelecommunication Satellite (MIR-SAT 1) was released from the International Space Station, embarking on its journey to orbit the Earth.

Mauritius' hub for satellite operations

At the MRIC facility in Cybercity, Ébène, a ground station serves as the nerve center for satellite activity. It gathers vital data, operates the satellite, and receives telemetry and information from other satellites.

A tale of billionaires and big nations

When most people think of space exploration, they picture billionaires such as Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos embarking on rocket-powered escapades, shaping a future where space ventures thrive and vast fortunes are brought back to Earth.

For many people, the future of space exploration feels tied to private, wealthy players rooted in traditional spacefaring countries like the United States. These figures dominate the stage, leaving smaller nations in the shadows of their ambitions.

Space careers

At present, working in the space industry isn't among the usual aspirations for young Mauritians. However, the tide seems to be turning, as interest in space exploration slowly begins to grow within the island nation.

Mauritius' potential

Thanks to its strategic location and skilled, tech-savvy workforce, Mauritius is emerging as a promising hub for linking Earth to low-Earth orbit. 

The MRIC is aiming to strengthen its space initiatives through global collaboration. By partnering with international experts, attracting private-sector investments, and encouraging knowledge exchange, the council is paving the way for continued progress in space exploration.