Artificial intelligence (AI) has been integrated into China’s WonderJourney-1A (WJ-1A) satellite by the Rwanda Space Agency (RSA) and STAR.VISION Aerospace Limited (STAR.VISION), marking a significant advancement in satellite technology.
This algorithm empowers the WJ-1A satellite to process images in real-time, eliminating the need for data transfers back to Earth.
At the heart of this achievement, we meet a dedicated team of 6 talented students putting Rwanda on the Global space agenda.
The University of Rwanda, the Carnegie Mellon University Africa, and the African Institute for Mathematical Science are the universities that hold these students’ formation and backgrounds. Their collaborative efforts were significantly bolstered by the guidance and mentorship of skilled engineers from RSA.
Gustave Munezero Bwirayesu is a 25-year-old, whose academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in electrical power engineering at the University of Rwanda and is now pursuing a Master’s degree in Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a specialization in Applied Machine. Emphasizing the significance of the Rideshare algorithm, he highlights its potential to provide valuable land use information.
As a fourth-year student currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in computer science at the University of Rwanda, Alice Mugengano holds a promising outlook for the burgeoning space industry in Rwanda. She places particular emphasis on the active involvement of young individuals, with a strong call for more women to engage in AI education. She is 22 years old.
Bienvenu Murenzi, who is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Information Technology at Carnegie Mellon University Africa, brings a wealth of knowledge with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the University of Rwanda. He places a significant emphasis on the algorithm’s capability for data-driven decision-making. He is 27 years old.
Amani Murera, a 26-year-old student, is currently dedicated to pursuing a Master of Science in Information Technology with a specialization in Machine Learning at Carnegie Mellon University Africa. Her academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in computer and software engineering from the University of Rwanda.
Amani is a firm believer in the powerful synergy between artificial intelligence and space technologies.
Donatha Nyiramaritete, a 26-year-old scholar, possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise. She has earned a master’s degree in mathematical sciences with a specialization in Data Science from the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS). Complementing her advanced degree, she also holds a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics and statistics from the College of Science and Technology, previously known as the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology.
El Yadah Ibyigize Kalisimbi, a 21-year-old computer science student at the University of Rwanda, is passionate about the potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in space exploration. She envisions AI playing a crucial role in the development of autonomous systems for space missions and the processing of vast amounts of data collected by space agencies. Furthermore, Kalisimbi sees AI as a valuable tool for communication with astronauts during their space missions.
The WJ-1A satellite was launched in August and has taken a significant leap in its capabilities with the incorporation of a cutting-edge AI algorithm developed by a group of talented Rwandan students. This innovative algorithm is designed to empower machines to learn, process data, and make independent decisions. In the near future, it will become an integral part of the satellite’s String Edge AI platform.
