Sandra SOKOLI?SKA
23/04/2026 11:06
Partenaire
nicheglobalequity@gmail.com
??PAN-AFRICAN PARTNERSHIP: Small-Scale Satellite Launch Capability Framework, CNT [C]
Classification: Confidential [C] and Proprietary (For Discussion Purposes Only).
Dear Dr. SOMBO AYANNE,
As the Newspace Africa Conference Gabon "Inclusive Growth: Expanding Space Benefits to all Africans" concludes and in the spirit of the African proverb, "if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to got far, go together", herewith option you can perhaps discuss with your fellow attendees from the abundance of countries present.
In line with the National Space Policy/African Space Policy/African Union Digital Transformation Strategy For Africa (2020-2030)/Agenda 2063; complimented by the EU's Global Gateway strategy to improve digital connectivity; in light of the current geopolitical and industrial context; in the spirit of strategic launch autonomy; the once-in-a-generation effort to ensure national infrastructure is in place by localizing strategic space launch capabilities; and national self-reliance;
Three roles that will be needed:
1) Launch licensor. Someone from the government of the launching country that can officially approve launches to space, certifying that that vehicle is registered in your country. This will likely require enabling legislation to be passed, that names the part of the government that is permitted to do this and under what circumstances. This is the equivalent of the US's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), so the national Civil Aviation Authority may be the best choice to become your country's launch licensor.
2) Launch operator. The entity that actually performs the launches. This can be part of the government or a private entity. If it is part of the government, it will probably be something like an official National Space Agency (which would need to be created if not already operating).
* This entity will need access to a jet that can carry a payload to 15 km. Many of these jets are of military origin, which is why many people think of the military to operate launches, but ex-military jets stripped of weapons and under civil operation suffice in this role. (This thinking is also why the technology gets described as an "air-to-space missile": that is essentially how it works - though the objective is peaceful, unlike most missiles.)
* This entity will also be responsible for the launch vehicle's software, which it will need to develop. There are several sources it can start from. Developing and launching a nanosatellite, in part to test out early versions of this software, may be part of the program to set up the launch operator.
3) Launch manufacturer. The entity that makes the most critical components, especially the solid rocket manufacturers. This is practically always a private entity. Someone in your country could perform this task.
***WIN-WIN PAN-AFRICAN PARTNERSHIP OPTION***
Capitalizing on the nexus of the African Union/AfCFTA/African Space Policy, the above three roles, can be split with a fellow Africa Union country or countries. Your country for example can offer to be the launch manufacturer, if a nearby country or another African Union country can be found to perform the launch licensor and launch operator roles. (for instance if your country does not want to operate or license your own launches, but is willing to support your neighbors or fellow African Union countries in doing so.)
It is estimated that the effort would cost in the low tens of millions, as measured in US dollars. If you use this option for your country to do the launch manufacturing, you would bear the majority of this cost for the first phase.
STRATEGIC RATIONALE
Currently, most small satellite missions depend on foreign launch providers and rideshare
opportunities. Among the drawbacks this introduces are scheduling constraints, limited orbital
control, and exposure of sensitive payloads to external parties. The framework enables independent launch scheduling, controlled orbital insertion, and secure handling of nationally sensitive payloads.
While the launch capability is designed as a civilian-access launch system, it provides capabilities directly relevant to national security, such as rapid deployment of small satellites, technology demonstration platforms, and resilient, distributed space capability. The system is not designed as a weapons platform, but its underlying technologies (solid propulsion, high-altitude release, guided ascent) overlap with areas of defense interest. As such, coordination with the Ministry of Defense is essential and expected.
It is explicitly structured to develop domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities, establish regulatory and safety frameworks, and train a national technical workforce. Unlike turnkey imports, this framework results in independent national capability, supporting long-term
strategic autonomy.
The framework supports key pillars of national development initiatives, including
localization of advanced technologies, growth of high-skill industries, and expansion of space-sector participation. This framework emphasizes localization, workforce development, sovereign
capability, and strategic independence in alignment with national development priorities.
THE FRAMEWORK RECAP
The framework is an air launched, solid fuel launch vehicle developed by a US company (an overview of the company and project(s) can be found at https://cubecab.com/), with a design reference mission of sending 6 kg payloads to 400 km sun-synchronous orbit (with more equatorial orbits possible as a result). The US company is offering to license this design, under the US’s ITAR controls, to serve as a cost-controlled first national launch capability, more achievable as an initial national capability than large vertical liquid-fuel launch systems, though it also develops the technical knowledge base to later develop such capability if desired.
The licensing framework is designed to enable sovereign implementation via the development of the necessary legal, regulatory, industrial, and technical foundations. The US company primarily operates via remote training, not provision of on-site engineers or components for import (train-the-trainer). The intended outcome is an independently operated national capability, not long-term reliance.
CubeSats are widely used for research, communications, earth observation, and technology demonstration. Most missions depend on rideshare launch opportunities, which can limit launch timing and orbital selection. A dedicated CubeSat-class launch capability allows a country to designate its own deployment schedule, specify its satellites’ orbits, and support missions of national interest that rideshare launches cannot. The process of developing this capability also builds up domestic aerospace manufacturing and regulatory experience, as well as a space-capable workforce capable of bringing the benefits of orbital services to the nation.
The framework progresses through four phases over a period of several years:
0. Evaluation and Contracting: the relevant national ministry (or other organization with authority to speak on behalf of the nation) considers the proposal, and if agreeable, signs
a contract with the US company to proceed;
1. Preparation: with the US company’s advice, the ministry sets up legal and regulatory controls, airframe access (if not already possessed), an initial relevant industrial base (especially solid rocket manufacturing, handling, and regulation), and entities to handle the launch licensing, operation, and manufacturing roles over the remaining phases;
2. Export Authorization: The US company and the entities apply for a Technical Assistance Agreement (TAA) from the US government to enable the final phase, while the industrial base completes preparations; and
3. Technical Transfer: under the TAA, the US company guides the entities to integrate and advance the elements set up in phases 1 and 2 into a functioning launch vehicle. Country-specific implementations of this program will reflect local platforms, methods, materials, and conditions. Systems developed within the implementing country may constitute sovereign intellectual property, subject to the terms of the license and TAA. Operational authority rests with the implementing country.
The framework does not constitute an operational partnership, guarantee of regulatory approval, or assurance of launch success. Engagements are non-exclusive and may occur concurrently with multiple countries.
If we are aligned on intent, get in touch. The best way forward is for you and your team having direct talks with the CEO of the US company based on the East Coast. Let's explore what "SMALL SATELLITE LAUNCH CAPABILITY FRAMEWORK" ambition can become.
Please advise your availability for in-depth discussions this week or next week with your preferable day(s) and time slots(s).
We're discreet, disciplined, decisive and delivery-focused.
Looking forward to hearing from you and thank you for your consideration.
--
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Sandra SOKOLI?SKA
Chief Defence & Space Officer
Niche Global Equity Partners Poland Sp z o.o. (NIP: 6762599352)
Personal Aide: Takudzwa (Bill) MAZUNGA
---------------------------------
Emilii Plater 53 / Pi?tro 14
00-113, Warsaw
Poland
Tel.: +48 538 391 485
Warsaw | Vienna | Wroc?aw
A member of the Sokoli?ska Family Office
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