University of Juba to Host Space Science Facility

(JUBA) – South Sudan’s plan to open its first space science laboratory is moving ahead, even as University of Juba students voice frustration over years of delays in constructing the wider Mayardit Academy for Space Sciences.

The academy conception was passed by the university senate in December 2022. It was promoted as a project to modernise the institution and place the country at the forefront of space science and technology in the region.

The university has since raised funds from students and external donors. The stated goal was to build not only the academy but also new lecture halls and research facilities.

Three years on, students say not much physical structure is visible on the construction site. They are demanding clearer communication on how their contributions have been used and a firm timeline for when the academy will open its doors.

University officials maintain the project is progressing. They point to ongoing engineering work and regular site visits by university leadership. They also highlight the academy’s recent participation in international space conferences as proof of activity.

Vice Chancellor Professor John Akec has been asked to continue overseeing the project.

In a fresh step forward, Professor Akec met with National Communication Authority Director General Rizig Dominic Samuel. The discussion focused on fast tracking the establishment of a Space Science Laboratory under the Mayardit Space Academy.

The laboratory aims to build national interest in space science through practical, project based learning. Students from telecommunications, computer science, engineering and environmental science courses will design satellite mission concepts and work on CubeSat projects. They will take part in the full satellite development cycle, from design and testing to eventual operation.

The NCA and the University of Juba plan to sign a full Memorandum of Understanding to formalise the partnership.

In a further sign of activity, the Mayardit Academy for Space Sciences, in cooperation with the Embassy of Israel, has announced a free summer course.

Titled “Introduction to Space Science,” the course runs from 13 to 16 July 2026 at the Senate Hall on the university’s main campus.

The lecturer is Harel Hary Ben Ami, Founder and Director of the Harel Space Agency and a former Israeli Space Agency delegate to United Nations committees.

The course is open to staff, students and secondary school science teachers on a first come, first served basis.