Kenya Space Agency’s astrophysicist achieves second asteroid confirmation
By Faith Lagat, December 24, 2025In a landmark achievement for Kenyan astronomy, the Kenya Space Agency (KSA) has confirmed the discovery of a second asteroid by its astrophysicist, Harold Safary.
The asteroid, designated 2024 JJ63, was verified by the Minor Planet Centre (MPC) in collaboration with the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC) and the Pan-African Citizen Science e-Laboratory (PAS E-LAB).
The discovery follows Safary’s previous identification of Asteroid 2023 TQ159, also confirmed by IASC.
“The asteroid was detected in 2024 by Harold Safary, an astrophysicist of the Kenya Space Agency. This achievement marks Safary’s second confirmed asteroid discovery, further strengthening Kenya’s presence in global astronomical research and space science,” KSA stated in its official announcement dated December 24, 2025.
Safary’s work involved meticulous examination of astronomical data using Astrometrica software. His findings were submitted to the MPC through IASC for verification, with both asteroids now catalogued in the Minor Planet Center database at Harvard University.
Experts note that such discoveries underscore the importance of citizen science and international collaboration in planetary defence and near-Earth object tracking.
Commercial spaceport on the horizon
This scientific milestone comes as Kenya takes bold steps toward establishing a commercial spaceport. The government, through the National Treasury and KSA, recently invited bids for transaction advisory services to support the development of the facility.
According to KSA, “Transaction Advisory Services for Development of a Commercial Spaceport. The Government of Kenya, through the National Treasury and the KSA, is inviting qualified firms to provide transaction advisory services for the development of a commercial spaceport in Kenya, leveraging the country’s unique equatorial location and east-facing coastline.”
The initiative capitalizes on Kenya’s strategic location along the equator and facing the Indian Ocean, providing ideal conditions for satellite launches with fuel efficiency and predictable launch windows. Africa currently lacks an active commercial satellite launch facility, making the proposed spaceport a potential regional hub.
Boosting Kenya’s space footprint
Developing the spaceport will involve coordination with several government bodies, including the Ministry of Defence, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, the Kenya Maritime Authority, the National Intelligence Service, and the National Environment Management Authority.
KSA encouraged interested firms to participate, noting a virtual pre-bid conference on 9 January 2026 and an application deadline of 13 February 2026.
“Interested firms are encouraged to participate, with a virtual pre-bid conference scheduled for 9 January 2026 and the application deadline set for 13 February 2026. For more information: https://ksa.go.ke/ksa-tenders.html. Deadline: 13 February 2026.”
Together, Safary’s discoveries and the commercial spaceport project highlight Kenya’s growing stature in space exploration. From tracking celestial bodies to preparing for orbital launches, these developments are expected to drive economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen international collaboration, positioning Kenya as a key player in Africa’s space renaissance.