Roscosmos State Corporation announced the beginning of a new collaboration with the Republic of Zimbabwe focused on the development and launch of small satellites. The announcement came through the corporate press office as part of ongoing international engagement in space technology, education, and research initiatives.
During talks with Amon Murvira, the Minister of Higher and Vocational Education, Innovation, Science and Technological Development for Zimbabwe, representatives confirmed an agreement to expand cooperation in the design, manufacturing, and deployment of compact spacecraft. The joint efforts are aimed at educational programs as well as practical communication and training networks that can benefit Zimbabwe’s growing scientific and engineering communities.
Roscosmos highlighted recent progress in international collaboration despite external pressures. The organization cited approved partnerships with Mexico and the United Arab Emirates to pursue peaceful exploration and utilization of outer space, reinforcing a shared commitment to safe and beneficial space activities. Additionally, an accord with India was noted, addressing protective measures for technology involved in space exploration and the development and operation of launch vehicles and ground infrastructure supporting space missions.
Further cooperation was mentioned with the Commission on the Chinese Satellite Navigation System to ensure the interoperability and complementarity of global navigation satellite systems, specifically GLONASS and Beidou. This collaboration supports more reliable global positioning and timing services, which are vital for navigation, surveying, and various scientific experiments conducted from or beyond Earth’s orbit. The discussions also touched on potential advancement in joint research platforms, including projects akin to the International Scientific Moon Station, emphasizing shared work in space science and technology development.
Former officials indicated ongoing ambitions to boost satellite production capacity, signaling a strategic intent to expand Roscosmos’s manufacturing footprint and to diversify the portfolio of small satellite platforms. This broader plan envisions enhanced domestic capabilities paired with international partnerships to accelerate learning, reduce development cycles, and expand access to space-enabled education and industrial applications across multiple regions, including North America. The emphasis remains on peaceful, cooperative use of space resources, scientific advancement, and practical benefits for education and communications networks that can support regional, national, and global needs.