The Kenya Space Agency (KSA), in collaboration with Pwani University and the Committee on Space Research - COSPAR , hosted a two -week COSPAR Capacity Building Workshop and International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) expert meeting. The event was held at Mnarani Beach Club in Kilifi County from September 2nd to 13th, 2024.
The first week featured insightful lectures, tutorials, and hands-on project work, while the second week brought together experts from around the world who presented on various topics related to ionospheric research. These included comparisons of ground- and space-based data with the IRI model, improvements to the model, and the integration of data to approximate real-time conditions, as well as new techniques for modelling the ionosphere.
Participants explored the latest technologies and methods for monitoring, modelling, and predicting ionospheric variations due to solar activity. This is particularly important in understanding the significant impact of the ionosphere variations on radio wave propagation, space-based communication and navigation systems. Additionally, Kenya was formally admitted to the COSPAR Working Group on IRI.
The meeting was presided over by representatives from COSPAR, Pwani University and KSA led by Prof. Dieter Bilitza, Dr. Joseph Olwendo and Lt Col andrew nyawade respectively .
The Agency is confident that the knowledge and insights gained during the workshop will significantly contribute to the growth of ionospheric studies and space research in Africa towards advancing space weather readiness.
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