User:Bb Space/sandbox

Benjamin Bonsu
Benjamin Bonsu (born 31, July 1984), is a Ghanaian scientist and aerospace engineer widely recognized for leading the team that successfully built the first satellite for Ghana. His groundbreaking achievement placed Ghana on the global space map and opened new avenues for technological advancement and scientific exploration. Bonsu has more than 8 years of experience in areas that include but are not limited to; Small Satellites Mission Design and Development, Small Satellite Thermal Vacuum Chamber Testing, Small Satellite(VHF/UHF/L/S band) Ground Station Design and Development, and Operations, Space Law and Space Policy and Strategy. Benjamin Bonsu is the co-founder of All Nations University Space Systems Technology Laboratory (ANU-SSSTL), a member of the Ghana delegation to the UN-COPUOS meeting , Space and Society International Aeronautic Federation winner , author of the Ghana Outer Space Act, and technical advisor to the team working towards the creation of the Ghana Space Agency. He is a member of the following organizations; Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), Space and Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) , Royal Aeronautical Society , and Africa Space Leadership Council.

Bonsu is a dynamic and motivated professional with a proven track record of managing projects from concept to completion and has successfully managed three historic space-related projects, which include the first Ghana satellite (Ghanasat-1), Amateur ground station, and CanSat project in Ghana and international satellite projects such as the Horyu-4 Nanosatellite project and Birds series Cubesat constellation project. He has attained licenses and certificates including but not limited to: Space Engineering International Certificate (Issued by the Kyushu Institute of Technology in June 2020); the Recent Advance in Space Technologies (RAST 2019) Certificate (issued by the Turkish Air Force Academy in June 2019); SAES 2016 Certificate (issued by the International Symposium on Applied Engineering and Sciences in December 2016); the Space Engineering International Certificate (issued by the Kyushu Institute of Technology in September 2016); the Ghana Amateur Radio Class A Operator's License (issued by the Ghana National Communication Authority in Oct 2014); the DXHC Bronze Award (Hamsphere- Credential ID 77HS336); the Amateur Radio Operator Certificate Class A (National Communication Authority, Ghana- Credential ID R0C50-000011); DXHC Silver Award (Hamsphere- Credential ID 77HS336); FCC Amateur License Certificate, KEOCND (Federal Communication Commission - Credential ID FRN 00224120156); Hampshire Work 25 US states Award (Hamsphere - Credential ID 77HS336); and the UN/Austria Symposium Certificate, 2017 (United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)).

Early Life and Education
Benjamin Bonsu was born on [July 31, 1984] in Kumasi, Ashanti Region in Ghana, to Samuel Kwadwo Bonsu and Akua Asantewaa Bonsu. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in science and technology, particularly aerospace engineering. Inspired by his passion for space exploration, Bonsu relentlessly pursued his education. He completed his primary and junior high school education at Peters Educational Center and later joined the family business (S.K Bonsu Lathe and Engineering Works) in Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, where he was tasked as a Project Supervisor and Electrical Welder. He received his diploma from Prempeh College, where he resided as a science student in Ramseyer House (Dorm 4) and gained notoriety as Poropo, thanks to his dance moves. He continued his advanced studies by enrolling in the Electrical and Electronic Technician Course (Parts 1 and 2) at Kumasi Technical University before his acceptance at All Nations University to pursue his Bachelor of Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering. His exceptional academic prowess resulted in him graduating with First Class Honors, and was named the overall best student. He then earned his Master's in Applied Science for Systems Engineering from Kyushu Institute of Technology. Driven by his ambition to contribute to Ghana's scientific and technological growth, he pursued a Ph.D. in the same field from Kyushu Institute of Technology. He was the first Ghanaian to specialize in Satellite Design and Development. During his studies, Bonsu exerted leadership qualities that led him to become the first African President of the Kyutech Foreign Students Association at Kyushu Institute of Technology from February 2015 to February 2016.

Engineering Career
Bonsu started his career at a very young age. After completing junior high school, he was trained as a Project Supervisor and Electrical Welder at S.K Bonsu Lathe and Engineering Works (Apr 2001 - Jul 2008). During his Bachelor studies in 2012, he maintained his passion for engineering by attaining a position as Project Manager and RF Engineer on the Cansat project in Koforidua, Ghana. He later joined the National Service as a Project Manager and RF Engineer at All Nations University (Space Systems Technology Laboratory) (Jun 2013 - Aug 2014). During his time as a Master's and Doctoral student from September 2014 to June 2018 at Kyushu Institute of Technology, Bonsu worked as an RF Engineer on the Horyu-IV project, a Communication Subsystem Engineer on the BIRDS Project(LaSEINE) and a Ground Station Systems Engineer (LaSEINE), at Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, a Project Manager on the Ghanasat-1 project at All Nations University Space Systems Technology Laboratory in Ghana and an Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) Engineer at the Center for Nanosatellite Testing in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka. After completing his doctoral studies, he embarked on a career advancing space technology in Ghana. He joined the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI), a prestigious institution dedicated to space research and development, where he began working on various satellite-related projects until he assumed the position of Communication Systems Engineer at Axelspace Corporation in Tokyo, Japan (Nov 2020 - Present). Bonsu's achievements throughout his career include the design of an S/X-band RF Circuit, the verification tests of an S-band Communication System and X-band Communication System, the licensing documentation of an RF frequency, RF Link Budget Analysis, STK Orbit Simulation, Antenna Simulation and Testing, and RF Systems Assembly Integration and Testing.

Bonsu's leadership skills and expertise in satellite engineering quickly gained recognition within the Ghanaian scientific community. In 2015, he was appointed the head of a pioneering team tasked with building Ghana's first satellite, Ghanasat-1. He led a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and technicians and oversaw the entire development process, from initial design to successful launch. Under his guidance, the team faced numerous challenges, including limited resources, technical constraints, and a nascent space program. However, his unwavering dedication, innovative problem-solving approach, and exceptional technical knowledge propelled the project forward. After years of intensive research, development, and collaboration, Bonsu and his team achieved a monumental milestone for Ghana's space program. On July 7, 2017, Ghanasat-1 was successfully launched into orbit, marking Ghana's entry into the spacefaring nations. The satellite's primary objectives included [Objectives of the Satellite], such as advancing communication technology, enhancing weather monitoring capabilities, and fostering educational opportunities in science and technology. The successful launch of Ghana's first satellite brought international acclaim to Bonsu and his team, placing them at the forefront of Africa's growing space industry. Their achievement also inspired a new generation of scientists and engineers in Ghana, igniting the youth's passion for space exploration and technology.

Ghanasat-1 Project
The GhanaSat-1 is the first Ghana satellite developed by three engineers (Benjamin Bonsu, Ernest Matey, Joseph Quansah) from All Nations University in partnership with Kyushu Institute of Technology and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. Weighing around 1 kilogram, it was launched into orbit as part of the Joint Global Multi-Nation Birds satellite program, which included four participating countries. The satellite had low- and high-resolution cameras to take pictures of Ghana's coastline and monitor the country's geography. It was also used to measure the effects of radiation in space on commercial microprocessors. The satellite was primarily a technology demonstrator and an Earth observation satellite. It communicated with seven ground stations and was the last Birds-1 group to deorbit, ending its mission on May 22nd, 2019. The satellite was intended to train upcoming generations on applying satellites in different activities around the region, including monitoring illegal mining. Additionally, it has a Digital-Singer mission to broadcast national songs from space to promote STEMI education. The satellite will investigate radiation effects on commercial-off-the-shelf microprocessors and contribute to scientific research. On June 3, 2017, the satellite was launched from the Kennedy Space Center by the SpaceX Falcon-9 and successfully deployed to orbit on July 7, 2017. All Nations University is currently working with the government of Ghana to create two satellites, GhanaSat-2 and GhanaSat-3. The main goal of GhanaSat-2 is to keep track of issues such as water pollution, illegal mining, and deforestation.

Cansat Project
The CanSat is a low-cost educational satellite that includes satellite components such as sensors, actuators, and GPS, all housed in a 500-ml can. It was launched on May 15, 2013, and was the first in Sub-Saharan Africa. The CanSat project provides students and educators with an affordable way to gain basic knowledge in Space Engineering and experience in Satellite engineering. Students could develop an educational satellite by conceptualizing the mission, planning, designing, building, testing, and iteratively improving other CanSat prototypes. ANU-SSTL uses its CanSat as an educational tool to teach high school students, young students, and Space Science enthusiasts about Space Science, Satellite Technology, and STEM education as part of its outreach programs.

Horyu-IV Project
During his Master's degree, Bonsu was the first Ghanaian in the history of Japanese universities' satellite projects to join the HORYU-4 (High Voltage Technology Demonstration Satellite-4) project — also known as AEGIS (Arc Event Generator and Investigation Satellite) - a nanosatellite mission of Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) in Japan. His contribution was being in charge of the VHF/UHF/ S-band space ground communication system and installing the first 2.4m S-band parabolic dish antenna in line with Kyushu Institute of Technology  's mission to study discharge phenomena on high-voltage solar arrays to improve the reliability of space systems and contribute to developing future high-power space systems. The project began in 2013 and was funded by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. The project team was large and diverse, which led to communication problems, but the lessons learned from this experience were that the satellite missions and team structure should be simplified and the number of mission payloads onboard should be minimized.

Birds Cubesat Constellation Project
Dr. Bonsu is part of the pioneers of The Birds Project and gave it its name from the way a satellite looks when it is in orbit. This was a satellite project for non-space-faring countries supported by Japan, involving students from four participating countries (Ghana, Mongolia, Nigeria, and Bangladesh) who designed, developed, and operated 5 identical CubeSats from 7 ground stations. The project was executed by 15 students from the participating countries enrolled in the Master's or Doctoral degree program in Space Engineering International Course at the Kyushu Institute of Technology. The project won the 2017 Global Engineering Dean's Council Airbus Diversity Award and aimed to provide students from developing nations with hands-on experience in satellite projects.

PeTT Vaccum Chamber Project
Bonsu designed, developed, and tested the Peltier-based Thermal Testing (PeTT) Vacuum Chamber (also known as the PeTT Vacuum Chamber). It is the world's first electrical, thermal vacuum chamber to test CubeSats. It aimed to create an inexpensive and easy-to-use vacuum chamber facility that uses Peltier technology for thermal testing, to test satellites cost-effectively. Bonsu found this a better alternative to conventional vacuum chambers that use liquid nitrogen, which is more complex and expensive. Since this vacuum chamber uses non-traditional development and management approaches to provide value to customers at a low cost and quickly, it attracted the attention of developing countries such as Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Paraguay to employ it and develop their own satellites. The proliferation of lean satellite activities is changing the space sector, with universities, small businesses, and developing countries emerging as new stakeholders. Various issues such as standards, testing, operation, manufacturing, interface, and project management must be examined further to deliver value to these stakeholders. The project aims to further the growth of worldwide lean satellite activities by tackling these issues. Bonsu contributed to the development of ISO 19683:2017, which outlines the testing methods and requirements for small spacecraft or units to qualify their design and manufacturing methods for commercial use. The standard provides minimum test requirements and methods for accepting final products, focusing on achieving low infant mortality rates after launch into orbit. This standard is particularly relevant for satellites developed differently than conventional satellites, with little room for risk tolerance.

GRUS 1BCDE Project
Bonsu joined the team that developed the GRUS satellite at Axelspace Corporation. This microsatellite used for remote sensing is a key component of Axelspace's Earth observation constellation. On this project, Bonsu was responsible for the S/X-band communication system, which includes performing Telemetry and Telecommand (TMTC) communication, the design of an S/X-band RF Circuit, the verification tests of an S-band Communication System and X-band Communication System, the licensing documentation of an RF frequency, RF Link Budget Analysis, STK Orbit Simulation, Antenna Simulation and Testing, and RF Systems Assembly Integration and Testing. Despite its small size and mass of approximately 100kg, it can capture images with a ground resolution of 2.5m. The first GRUS satellite was launched in 2018, and more have been launched since then to enable high-frequency earth monitoring. GRUS-1D is also known as the Fukui Prefectural Satellite "SUISEN," while GRUS-1ABCDE is in normal operation in orbit. Previously, obtaining satellite imagery of the Earth was costly, and the limited er of large, expensive remote-sensing satellites made it difficult to meet demand. This led to long wait times and limited image request opportunities for users. GRUS aims to address this issue by leveraging the low costs of microsatellite technology to build a vast network capable of high-frequency observation of most of the Earth's dry land. The AxelGlobe platform will allow users to access affordable and up-to-date imagery data. GRUS captures panchromatic grayscale images with a 2.5m ground resolution and multispectral color photographs in the blue, green, red, "red edge," and near-infrared bands. It uses advanced optical and sensor technology to capture images over 50 km wide, allowing for efficient planet coverage. The large GRUS satellite constellation updates Earth imagery daily, enabling new and more meaningful uses in various industries. High-frequency data allows for trend observation and future phenomenon prediction. The first GRUS satellite was launched in 2018, and more are expected to be launched quickly.

Research Publications

 * Bonsu, B.; Yankey, A. (2014). The Prospects of SAR onboard a Satellite for Monitoring and Detection of Oil Spills in Ghana. All Nations University Journal of Applied Thought. 3 (1): 88-100.
 * Bonsu, B.; Masui, H.; Cho,M. (2019). Peltier-based Thermal Testing (PeTT) Vacuum Chamber: Affordable Testing Facility for Lean Satellites. UNISEC Space Takumi Journal for Practical Study of Problem Finding and Solving in Space Systems. 8 (2):11-38.

Conferences

 * Bonsu, B.; Muyiwa, S. (2012). My Experiences as an Engineer. Ghana Institute of Engineers Annual Conference. Water Management for Development and Sustenance of Life, Accra, Ghana.
 * Bonsu, B.; Antwiwaa, A.; Muyiwa, Shodiya. (2013). The Behavioral Analysis of Pulse Optic Fiber Over a Distance of Several Kilometers. 3rd World Congress on Engineering. London, United Kingdom.
 * Bonsu, B. (2013). Current Activities of Cansat project. 2nd Space Science and Satellite Technology Workshop. All Nations University, Koforidua, Ghana.
 * Bonsu, B.; Matey, E.; Quansah, J.;Antwi, A. (2013). Cansat Activities for Capacity Development. National Society of Black Engineers Annual Fellowship Conference, Engineering the Gateway to Success.
 * Bonsu, B.; Matey, E.; Quansah, J.;Antwi, A. (2013). The Launch of a Cansatellite in Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa. 1st UNISEC Global Meeting. Tokyo, Japan.
 * Bonsu, B.; Dashdondog, N.D. M.E.; Su, N.T.; Ito, S.; Fukuda, H.; Ewang, E.S.; Yamasaki, T. (2015). Rental Satellite for Space Education Development. 4th Mission Idea Contest Workshop. Tokyo, Japan.
 * Bonsu, B.; Matey, E.; Quansah, J.;Antwi, A. (2015). The Overview Report of the First Amateur Ground Station Development in Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa. 2nd UNISEC Global Meeting. Kitakyushu, Japan.
 * Bonsu, B.; Tatsuo, S.; Horyu-IV Team Members; Cho, M. (2016). Overview Report of S-band Ground Station Operation and Verification for Horyu-IV Lean Satellite, NSS-07-0603. 7th Nanosatellite Symposium and 4th UNISEC Global Meeting. Kamchia-Varna, Bulgaria.
 * Bonsu, B.; Horyu-IV Team Members; Cho, M. (2016). Preliminary Performance and Accuracy Evaluation of the 2.4GHz S-band Ground Station for Lean Satellite Tracking and Operation. 4th International Symposium on Applied Engineering and Sciences. Kitakyushu, Japan.
 * Bonsu, B.; All Nations University Space Systems Technology Laboratory (ANU-SSTL) Members. (2017). The Overview Development of Ghana First Satellite. United Nations Austria Symposium 2017 Access to Space for Holistic Capacity for the 21st Century. Graz, Austria.
 * Bonsu, B.; Matey, E.; Quansah, J.; Birds Project Members; All Nations University Space Systems Technology Laboratory (ANU-SSTL). (2017). First Educational Satellite to Enhance Sustainable Space Program in Ghana. 68th International Astronautical Congress. Adelaide, Australia.
 * Bonsu, B.; Birds Project Members; All Nations University Space Systems Technology Laboratory (ANU-SSTL). (2018). Activities and Way Forward of All Nations University Space Systems Technology Laboratory (ANUSSTL). Centre National D/etudes Spatiales. CNES Toulouse.
 * Bonsu, B.; All Nations University Space Systems Technology Laboratory (ANU-SSTL). (2018). Ghana Space Law and Policy Towards the Establishment of the Ghana Space Agency. 34th Space Symposium. Colorado Springs, USA.
 * Bonsu, B.; Matey, E.; Quansah, J.;Antwiwaa, A. (2018). 10 Year Strategic Plan for Ghana Space Activities. 69th International Astronautical Congress. Bermen, Germany.
 * Bonsu, B.; Masui, H.; Cho, M. (2018). Development and Testing Performance of Thermal Vacuum Testing Device Based on Orbit Temperature Data Analysis of Lean Satellites. 62nd Space Science and Technology Alliance Lecture. Kurume City Plaza, Kyushu, Japan.
 * Bonsu, B.; Masui, H.; Cho,M. (2019). Exploring the Performance of an Affordable Thermoelectric Module for Testing Lean Satellites in a Space Simulation Chamber. 9th UNISEC Space Takumi Conference, Practical Study Problem Finding and Solving Space Systems. Tokyo, Japan.
 * Bonsu, B.; Masui, H.; Cho,M. (2019). Demonstration of Lean Satellite (1U Cubesat) using PeTT Vacuum Chamber. 9th International Conference on Recent Advance in Space Technology. Istanbul, Turkey.
 * Bonsu, B.; Masui, H.; Cho,M. (2019). Status of Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) Facilities for Satellite Testing in Africa. 27th Workshop on Space Technology for Socio-Economic Benefit, UN/IAF Symposium, International Astronautical Congress. Washington D.C., USA.
 * Bonsu, B.; Masui, H.; Cho,M. (2019). Introducing Low-Cost Thermal Vacuum Testing Facility for the Emerging Space Program in African Universities. 70th International Astronautical Congress. Washington D.C., USA.
 * Bonsu, B.; Masui, H.; Cho,M. (2019). Propose Strategy to Increase Capacity Development for Cubesat Thermal Vacuum Testing in Africa. 8th International Conference on Space Science and Satellite Technologies Application (SSSTA), Koforidua, Ghana.
 * Bonsu, B.; Masui, H.; Cho,M. (2019). Propose Strategy to Increase Capacity Development for Cubesat Thermal Vacuum Testing in Africa. 8th African Space Leadership Congress. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Volunteering
In addition to his career experience and his contribution to the body of knowledge, Dr. Bonsu has proven his contributions to society since his days as a Master's degree student,. At Kyushu Institute of Technology, Bonsu was appointed the first African President of the Kyutech Foreign Students Association from February 2015 to February 2016. During his leadership, he led and represented the organization to external stakeholders such as university officials, government representatives, and other organizations to advocate for the well-being of international students on campus organization's goals and interests. He also oversaw the planning and execution of events and initiatives. He was also an Advisory Council Member at For All Moonkind, Inc. (Science and Technology) and a member of the small satellite group at Space Generation Advisory Council, which aims to bring together young professionals and students in the space industry to provide them with opportunities for professional development, networking, and advocacy. Their mission is to promote the next generation of space leaders' voices and support the United Nations Program on Space Applications. Since 2019, Bonsu has been a Researcher and African Space Leadership Youth Member and served as a Reviewer of Space Policy at Elsevier. He is a member of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International, Royal Aeronautical Society, and the International Academy of Space Law, and also served as a Student Representative at Space and Satellite Professionals International and a Delegate at United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. Finally, he is currently the Founder of the Japan-Africa Space Business Network, which serves as a communication tool to provide a networking platform for Japanese and African space stakeholders to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and beyond.

Contributions and Impact
Dr. Benjamin Bonsu's pioneering work in leading the team that built Ghana's first satellite has profoundly impacted Ghana's scientific and technological landscape. His contributions include:


 * 1) Advancing pace Technology in Ghana: Through his leadership, Bonsu has significantly propelled Ghana's space program forward, opening up opportunities for further scientific research, technological innovation, and educational growth in aerospace engineering.
 * 2) Enhancing Communication and Weather Monitoring: The satellite developed under Bonsu's guidance has dramatically improved Ghana's communication infrastructure and weather monitoring capabilities. This development has had far-reaching implications for various sectors, including agriculture, disaster management, and telecommunications.
 * 3) Inspiring Youth and Promoting STEM Education: Bonsu's achievement has inspired a new generation of Ghanaian scientists and engineers, fostering a passion for space science and technology among the youth. His work has played a crucial role in promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and encouraging young minds to explore careers in aerospace engineering.

Honors and Awards

 * 2018 African Union Leadership Conference Scholarship
 * UNISPACE+50 Scholarship
 * Presidential Honorary Award
 * Certificate of Honor from the President of the Republic of Ghana
 * Space and Society Award
 * Kyutech Scholarship from the Kyushu Institute of Technology
 * Austria Government Scholarship for Developing Countries
 * All Nations University Scholarship for Local Conferences
 * Apollo Crystal Award