Overview
The Spacehubs Africa market intelligence platform catalogues entities across the African space ecosystem. This page describes how data is collected, verified, and maintained.
What is on our Platform?
Eight types of entities are catalogued, based on the criteria below.
- Company
- A commercial, for-profit organisation that develops, manufactures, operates, or provides services across the space value chain or its downstream applications.
- Academic Institution
- A university, college, laboratory, or training centre delivering space-related education or conducting academic research.
- Agency
- A government, intergovernmental, or public-sector body using or operating space technologies or data.
- Non-Profit
- A non-commercial organisation advancing space science, education, advocacy, or community-building.
- Club / Society
- A community or university-based group, often volunteer-run, that promotes space interest, outreach, and amateur or student activity such as rocketry, astronomy, or CanSat projects.
- Satellite
- An individual spacecraft with a verifiable link to Africa: built, owned, operated, funded by, or hosting a payload for an African entity.
- Ground Station
- A terrestrial facility that tracks, communicates with, or receives signals from spacecraft or celestial sources, spanning satellite operations and radio astronomy observatories and other signal-receiving stations.
- International Collaboration
- A multilateral arrangement, constellation, consortium, or intergovernmental body through which multiple countries or organisations cooperate on space activity.
Collaboration Membership Model
International collaborations are classified on two membership dimensions. State-based collaborations list participating countries, institution-based collaborations list partner organisations, and hybrid collaborations include both.
The reach tier summarises geographic spread from member-state data: regional collaborations cluster in one African region, cross-regional collaborations span more than one region, pan-African collaborations cover all five African regions, and global collaborations include at least one non-African member state.
Type Classification
Each entity is given a more specific classification, shown as the "Type" on its profile. The available values differ by entity, as set out below.
View classification definitions
Companies
- Data & Software
- Firms whose core product is geospatial or satellite data, analytics platforms, or software that turns space-derived data into insight or applications.
- Diversified
- Companies active across several parts of the space value chain rather than a single specialism.
- Education & Experience
- Commercial providers of space-related training, courses, experiences, or edutainment.
- Investment & Venture
- Investors, venture funds, and financiers deploying capital into space ventures.
- Manufacturer
- Companies that design and build hardware — satellites, components, ground equipment, or aerospace systems.
- Operator
- Companies that own and operate space assets or infrastructure — such as satellite fleets or ground-station networks — to deliver services.
- Professional Services
- Consultancy, legal, strategy, market-intelligence, and other advisory services to the sector.
- Technical Services
- Engineering, integration, testing, launch, and other hands-on technical services.
Agencies
- Continental Space Agency
- A pan-African space body coordinating space activity across the continent.
- National Space Agency
- A country's designated national space agency, leading its civil space programme.
- Government Agency / Department
- A government ministry, department, or agency with a space-related mandate that is not a dedicated space agency.
- Intergovernmental Organisation
- A regional or multilateral public body whose membership spans multiple governments.
- Research Institute
- A public research institute conducting space-related research outside a university setting.
- Education & Training Institute
- A public institute focused on space education, training, and capacity building.
- Laboratory / Research Centre
- A government or public laboratory or research centre specialising in space science or technology.
- Military
- A defence or military body with a space, surveillance, or national-security mandate.
Academic Institutions
- University
- A degree-awarding higher-education institution with space-related faculties or programmes.
- Research Institute
- An academic research institute conducting space-related research, typically affiliated with a university.
- Training Centre
- A centre delivering vocational or professional space-related training.
- Laboratory / Research Centre
- A university laboratory or research centre focused on space science or engineering.
- College / Academy
- A college or academy offering space-related diplomas or qualifications below full university status.
- Department / Faculty
- A specific department or faculty within a larger institution that delivers space-related teaching or research.
Non-Profits
- Association
- A membership association representing a professional community or interest group.
- Centre / Institute
- A non-profit centre or institute advancing space science, education, or research.
- Foundation
- A foundation funding or running space-related charitable, educational, or research programmes.
- Initiative
- A programme or campaign — often time-bound or project-based — advancing a specific space-related goal.
- Network
- A network connecting individuals or organisations around a shared space interest.
- Social Enterprise
- A mission-driven organisation that uses commercial means to deliver social or developmental impact.
- Society
- A learned or membership society promoting space science, astronomy, or related disciplines.
Clubs & Societies
- Community
- A community-based club open to the general public, promoting space interest and outreach.
- University
- A student-run club or society based at a university or college.
International Collaborations
- Treaty
- A binding international agreement on space activity between states.
- Policy
- A shared policy framework or declaration coordinating space activity across parties.
- Inter-Governmental Organisation
- A permanent body established by multiple governments to cooperate on space.
- Programme
- A joint, multi-party programme delivering a specific space objective or mission.
- Network
- A multilateral network linking institutions across countries for cooperation.
- Constellation
- A shared satellite constellation operated or contributed to by multiple parties.
- Multinational Consortium
- A consortium of organisations from several countries delivering a joint space undertaking.
- Committee
- A standing committee or working group coordinating cooperation on space matters.
Sector Verticals
Beyond its type, every entity is tagged with one or more verticals — the broad space domains it operates in. Source descriptions are mapped to this shared, canonical set so that activity is comparable across all entity types.
View all 14 verticals
- Science
- Fundamental and applied space science — astronomy, astrophysics, space physics, and planetary or atmospheric research.
- Technology
- Development and application of space technologies and systems, including payloads, instruments, and enabling hardware or software.
- Technology Demonstration
- Missions and projects whose primary purpose is to validate a new technology, technique, or capability in a relevant environment.
- Earth Observation
- Acquisition and use of satellite or aerial imagery and remote-sensing data to monitor land, oceans, atmosphere, and human activity.
- Communications
- Satellite and space-enabled communications — broadcasting, broadband, mobile connectivity, IoT, and supporting ground infrastructure.
- Navigation & Positioning
- Positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems and services, including GNSS/GPS augmentation, tracking, and location applications.
- Manufacturing & Engineering
- Design, fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft, components, and aerospace systems.
- Launch
- Launch vehicles, propulsion, spaceports, and the services required to deliver payloads to orbit.
- Policy & Governance
- Space policy, law, regulation, strategy, and the institutional frameworks that govern national and regional space activity.
- UAV & Aerial Systems
- Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and aerial platforms used for imaging, mapping, logistics, and remote sensing.
- Legal Services
- Legal, regulatory, and advisory services specific to space, satellite, and aviation activity.
- Innovation
- Incubation, entrepreneurship, R&D commercialisation, and emerging or cross-cutting initiatives that do not fit a single established vertical.
- Aerospace
- Aviation and aerospace activity adjacent to space — including aeronautics, aerospace manufacturing, and dual aviation/space capability.
- Military
- Defence and security applications of space, including military satellite use, surveillance, and national-security programmes.
Industries
Organisations — companies, agencies, academic institutions, non-profits, and clubs — are additionally classified by industry. Where a vertical captures the broad space domain, industries describe the specific field of activity. Free-text source labels are normalised to the canonical set below.
View all 27 industries
- Higher Education
- Universities, colleges, and academic teaching institutions offering degree or diploma programmes relevant to space science, engineering, or related fields.
- Space Science & Astronomy
- Pure-science research in astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, radio astronomy, space physics, and astrophotography.
- Remote Sensing
- Satellite and aerial imagery acquisition, remote sensing data products, analysis services, and EO application development.
- Geospatial Information
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS), cartography, topographic and land surveying, geomatics, geodesy, and spatial data management.
- Satellite Systems
- Satellite design, manufacturing, assembly, operations, and constellation management, including CubeSats and nanosatellites.
- Telecommunications
- Satellite communications, mobile and fixed broadband, broadcasting, ICT infrastructure, IoT, and connectivity services.
- Navigation & Positioning
- GNSS and GPS systems, positioning and timing (PNT) services, tracking technology, and navigation applications.
- Launch & Propulsion
- Launch vehicle design, manufacturing and operations; propulsion systems; rocketry; and launch brokerage services.
- Spacecraft Engineering
- Spacecraft design, assembly, in-orbit servicing, mission operations, and space situational awareness.
- Integration and Testing
- Assembly, integration and testing (AIT), qualification, verification, and validation of spacecraft, payloads, and aerospace systems.
- Agriculture & Food Security
- Precision agriculture, agritech, crop monitoring, food systems, agricultural research using Earth observation, and land-use analysis.
- Climate & Environment
- Climate science, meteorology, weather monitoring, atmospheric science, environmental monitoring, clean technology, and environmental advocacy.
- Marine & Water Sciences
- Oceanography, marine biology, fisheries, water resource management, hydrology, and aquatic sciences.
- Defence & Security
- Military applications of space technology, intelligence, cybersecurity, national security, and defence manufacturing.
- Aviation & Aerial Systems
- Aviation services, air navigation, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs / drones), aerial photography, and aerial mapping.
- Research & Development
- R&D institutes, research labs, and think tanks not primarily engaged in teaching, that conduct applied or basic space-related research.
- Space Policy & Governance
- Space law, spectrum and orbital regulation, space governance, national space policy, and international coordination bodies.
- Space Education & Outreach
- STEAM/STEM education programmes, public outreach, space advocacy, capacity building, mentorship, and space awareness campaigns.
- Data Analytics & Software
- Geospatial and satellite data analytics platforms, AI/ML applications, software development, simulation, and cloud computing.
- Aerospace Manufacturing
- Aerospace components, structures, electronics, sensors, robotics, materials science, and telescopes for space or aviation applications.
- Natural Resources & Conservation
- Forestry, biodiversity conservation, land management, geology, mining, and natural resource management using space technology.
- Business Services
- Consultancy, strategy, market intelligence, investment, venture capital, legal services, and media in the space sector.
- Astro-Tourism
- Commercial stargazing experiences, observatory visitor centres, astro-camps, and space tourism activities.
- Energy & Infrastructure
- Energy systems, utilities, transport, construction, and critical infrastructure supported by space-derived services or technology.
- Health & Life Sciences
- Healthcare, medicine, biology, public health, and life-science research supported by space data, services, or technology.
- Professional & Industry Associations
- Membership bodies, professional societies, trade groups, and industry associations representing space-related communities or sectors.
- Public Administration & Development
- Public-sector administration, statistics, planning, and international development supported by space-derived evidence and services.
Status & Lifecycle
Records carry a status that reflects where an entity, satellite, facility, or collaboration sits in its lifecycle. The values differ by type, as set out below.
View status definitions
Organisations
- Active
- Currently operating and engaged in space-related activity.
- Inactive
- No longer demonstrably active, but not confirmed closed or dissolved.
- Closed
- Permanently ceased operations, dissolved, or wound up.
Satellites
- Active
- Launched and currently functioning in orbit as intended.
- De-orbited
- Reached end of life and has re-entered or been decommissioned from orbit.
- Failure
- Lost to launch failure, in-orbit failure, or premature loss of contact.
- Space Debris
- No longer operational; remains in orbit as uncontrolled debris.
- Out of Order
- In orbit but not functioning as intended; contact or control lost.
Ground Stations & Infrastructure
- Planned
- Proposed or in the planning stage, not yet built.
- Under Construction
- Currently being built or installed.
- Active
- Built and in operational use.
- Maintenance
- Temporarily offline or operating at reduced capacity for upkeep.
- Inactive
- Built but not currently in operational use.
Collaborations
- Proposed / In Negotiation
- Under discussion or negotiation but not yet formalised.
- Signed / Ratified
- Formally agreed, signed, or ratified by the participating parties.
- Active
- In force and being actively implemented.
- Archived / Historic
- Concluded, expired, or superseded — retained for the historical record.
Data Sources
1. Official Websites & Social Media
The primary source for each entity is its own published online presence — official website, LinkedIn profile, and other social media channels. This includes founding dates, mission statements, team information, programme descriptions, and operational status.
2. Press & News Archives
For events and milestones with a specific date (launches, partnerships, funding rounds, programme announcements), we cross-reference press releases and contemporary news coverage from the time of the event. This helps establish accurate timelines and reduces reliance on retrospective self-reporting.
3. Scientific & Technical Papers
For satellites, R&D programmes, and academic activities, we consult published scientific literature, conference proceedings, and technical reports. Sources include IEEE Xplore, ResearchGate, arXiv, and institutional repositories.
4. Direct Partner Contributions
Some entities have contributed data directly through the Spacehubs Africa partner network. Contributed records are reviewed before publication to ensure consistency with our data standards.
5. Verified Profiles
Entities that have claimed and verified their profile on the platform can update their own record directly. Verified profiles are marked accordingly and reviewed periodically.
Data Quality & Verification
All records undergo a manual review before publication. Where multiple sources conflict, we apply the following priority order: verified profile > official website > direct partner contribution > press coverage > scientific literature. If a reliable source cannot be identified for a field, it is left blank rather than estimated.
We aim to keep records current, but the African space sector moves quickly. Two community mechanisms keep the data accurate between research cycles.
Corrections & error reports
Signed-in users can submit a correction from any entity page when they spot an error or omission. Each suggestion enters a moderation queue where our team reviews it against the source priority above before it is accepted or declined. When a correction is accepted the record is updated, and everyone following that entity is notified of the change.
Claiming an organisation
Organisations can claim their own listing to manage it directly. Claims are verified by our team before approval; once approved, the profile is marked as verified and the owner can keep a defined set of profile fields up to date. Material or factual changes still pass through the same correction review, so verified ownership speeds up maintenance without bypassing verification.
Coverage & Scope
The database covers entities with a primary presence or significant activity in Africa. This includes African-headquartered organisations as well as international bodies with a dedicated African programme or collaboration. Entities must be verifiably active or have been historically active within the space sector (space technology, earth observation, satellite communications, space science, or related fields).
Upcoming: Automated Data Collection
We are developing automated data pipelines to supplement manual research. These will monitor public sources — including official websites, news feeds, and open datasets — to flag new entities and changes to existing records for human review. Automated data will always be validated before it is published.
Contribute or Correct Data
If you represent an entity listed in the database, or know of one that should be included, we welcome contributions. Reach us via the contact form.