Correct Answer :   China and Egypt

China, jointly with Egypt, launched a new MisrSat-2 satellite into space on Monday (4th Dec 2023) hitting a milestone in its space cooperation program with the African country.

* The MisrSat-2 satellite was launched on the Long March-2C carrier rocket around 12:10 p.m. Beijing Time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center located in China's Gobi Desert, according to the Chinese state media. The optical remote sensing satellite has successfully entered the orbit. China also helped Egypt build the satellite assembly integration testing center.

"The MISRSAT-2 is a landmark project of deep cooperation between China and Egypt in the field of high-tech aerospace and is of milestone significance in aerospace cooperation between the two countries,” the CNSA said.

* The satellite, which boasts its role in crucial functions such as farming, national resources, urban planning, and coastal change monitoring in space, was tested and developed jointly at the China-funded Satellite Assembly, Integration, and Test Center (AITC) in Cairo. It underwent the three month orbital testing phase before it was handed over to the Egyptian Space Agency. The Egyptian staff received the training programs from China that included the entire satellite design, assembly and testing.

China launches two separate remote sensing satellites—Starpool 02-A and 02-B

* The launch with China has enhanced Egypt's capabilities in satellite research, development, measurement, and control, positioning, improving Africa’s space capabilities. Along with MisrSat-2, China also launched two separate remote sensing satellites—Starpool 02-A and 02-B— which were designed and developed by Chinese startup EllipSpace into the predetermined orbits. These satellites will perform functions such as the wide-area comprehensive perception services, laying a solid foundation for the construction of the "StarPool Plan" integrated communication, navigation and remote sensing system, according to Xinhua.

* The space program manager from the Egyptian Space Agency, Haitham Medhat Akah, told Xinhua that the MISRSAT-2 project has cemented the “solid foundation for the development of Egypt's space industry, promoted the training of Egyptian space professionals, and helped Egypt become a leader in the field of space satellites in Africa and the Middle East.” It not only marks a milestone in the field of Chinese-Egyptian space cooperation but also accomplished Egypt Vision 2030 sustainable development strategy in key areas like the agriculture, mineral exploration, urban planning, and monitoring of coastline changes.

* The MISRSAT-2 project made Egypt the first country in Africa to achieve the satellite development and launch, Gao Lyuhua, deputy director of the Earth Observation System and Data Center of the CNSA told Xinhua..

Source : Republic World