Bolivia launches Condosat project to replace Túpac Katari satellite

The Bolivian government has announced the Condosat project, a new satellite infrastructure initiative designed to replace the aging Túpac Katari satellite, which is approaching the end of its operational life. To advance this project, the Minister of Public Works, Services, and Housing, Mauricio Zamora, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Spanish satellite operator Hispasat.

The project, which has the support of the European Union, utilizes a co-participation model to share critical satellite infrastructure for at least 15 years. This approach aims to ensure digital sovereignty and avoid unnecessary debt. The total projected capacity is 120 Gbps, with an initial preliminary allocation of 10 Gbps for Bolivia at cost.

Condosat is intended to bridge the digital divide by providing connectivity to rural communities, schools, health centers, and municipalities that lack terrestrial infrastructure. The initiative also seeks to support digital government agendas, scientific research through the Bolivian Space Agency, and technological transfer. A technical committee will evaluate connectivity demands over the coming months, with the system potentially becoming operational between 2029 and 2030.