Harold Safary, an astrophysicist working with KSA, has successfully identified a new asteroid that has now been officially verified by international space bodies.
The asteroid, named 2024 JJ63, was confirmed by the Minor Planet Centre (MPC), the global authority responsible for tracking small celestial bodies in the solar system.
This latest achievement comes barely a year after Safary’s first confirmed discovery, Asteroid 2023 TQ159, making him one of the few Kenyan scientists with multiple verified asteroid findings.
In a statement released on Wednesday, KSA described the milestone as a major step forward for Kenya’s growing space programme.
“This marks Harold Safary’s second confirmed asteroid discovery. It highlights Kenya’s increasing contribution to international astronomical research and space science,” the agency said.
Safary identified the asteroid through detailed analysis of astronomical images using Astrometrica, a specialised software used by scientists worldwide to detect and track near-Earth objects. The data was then submitted through the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC) for verification.
After careful review, the Minor Planet Centre confirmed the object and officially added it to its global database, which is hosted by Harvard University in the United States.
The discovery was made with support from international research networks, including the Pan-African Citizen Science e-Laboratory (PAS E-LAB), underscoring the growing role of collaboration between African scientists and global space institutions.
Experts say such discoveries are critical in monitoring near-Earth objects that could pose potential risks in the future, while also expanding scientific understanding of the solar system.
Asteroid discoveries are no longer limited to large space agencies in Europe or North America. Increasingly, scientists from Africa are making meaningful contributions through citizen science programmes and international partnerships.
Safary’s work highlights how access to data, training, and collaboration can allow scientists from developing countries to participate in cutting-edge research.
“This is proof that African scientists can contribute at the highest level when given the right tools and support,” said a regional space science expert.
Safary’s achievement comes at a time when Kenya is making bold moves to expand its space ambitions beyond research.
Recently, the government, through the National Treasury and KSA, invited qualified firms to bid for transaction advisory services to support the development of a commercial spaceport in the country.
The proposed facility would take advantage of Kenya’s equatorial position and east-facing coastline, which experts say offers fuel-efficient and predictable launch conditions for satellites.
If developed, the spaceport would be the first active commercial satellite launch facility in Africa, potentially positioning Kenya as a regional hub for space activities.
According to KSA, the project will involve multiple government agencies, including the Ministry of Defence, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, the Kenya Maritime Authority, the National Intelligence Service, and the National Environment Management Authority.
Interested firms have been invited to attend a virtual pre-bid conference scheduled for January 9, 2026, with applications expected by February 13, 2026.
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