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{{EngvarB|date=September 2014}}
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{{Infobox astronaut
{{Infobox astronaut
| name          = Edward Mukuka Nkoloso
| name          = Edward Mukuka Nkoloso
| other_names  =  
| other_names  =  
| image        =  
| image        = Mukuka Nkoloso.jpg
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| caption      =  
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| rank          = Colonel
| rank          = Colonel
| retirement    = 1972
| retirement    = 1972
| awards        = [[Jubilee Medal "Forty Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945"]] (1984)
| awards        = Jubilee Medal "Forty Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945" (1984)
}}
}}


'''Edward Festus Mukuka Nkoloso''' was a resident of [[Zambia]]. He joined the British forces in [[World War II]], and served as a sergeant in the signal corp. After the war, he became translator for the [[Northern Rhodesia]]n government. He was also a grade school teacher, and opened a new school, which was purportedly shut down by British authorities. He then joined the resistance movement.<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" /><ref name="Banda" /><ref name="Chimpinde" /><ref name="Time" /> He was arrested and imprisoned in 1956 and 1957.<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" /> Following his release, he was appointed as security official of [[United National Independence Party]].<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" /><ref name="LusakaYears" /> In 1960, he founded the Zambia National Academy of Science, Space Research and Philosophy.<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" /><ref name="Time" /><ref name="LusakaYears" /><ref name="ITN" /><ref name="Gettysburg" /> In 1964, he participated in the Constitutional Convention.<ref name="Chimpinde" />
'''Edward Festus Mukuka Nkoloso''' was a resident of [[Zambia]]. He joined the British forces in World War II, and served as a sergeant in the signal corp. After the war, he became translator for the [[Northern Rhodesia]]n government. He was also a grade school teacher, and opened a new school, which was purportedly shut down by British authorities. He then joined the resistance movement.<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" /><ref name="Banda" /><ref name="Chimpinde" /><ref name="Time" /> He was arrested and imprisoned in 1956 and 1957.<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" /> Following his release, he was appointed as security official of [[United National Independence Party]].<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" /><ref name="LusakaYears" /> In 1960, he founded the Zambia National Academy of Science, Space Research and Philosophy.<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" /><ref name="Time" /><ref name="LusakaYears" /><ref name="ITN" /><ref name="Gettysburg" /> In 1964, he participated in the Constitutional Convention.<ref name="Chimpinde" />


==Space program==
==Space program==
<!-- linked from redirect [[Afronauts]] -->
<!-- linked from redirect [[Afronauts]] -->
From 1960 until sometime after 1969, this program sought to accomplish the launching of a rocket that would send one girl, 17-year-old Matha Mwambwa, and two cats to the [[moon]]. There were also plans for a trip to [[Mars]].<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" /> Nkoloso hoped to beat the United States and Soviet Union's respective space programs at the height of the [[Space Race]].<ref name="bootsnall" />
From 1960 until sometime after 1969, this program sought to accomplish the launching of a rocket that would send one girl, 17-year-old Matha Mwambwa, and two cats to the moon. There were also plans for a trip to Mars.<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" /> Nkoloso hoped to beat the United States and Soviet Union's respective space programs at the height of the Space Race.<ref name="bootsnall" />


To train the astronauts, Nkoloso set up a makeshift facility on an abandoned farm seven miles from Lusaka where the trainees would be rolled down a rough hill in a 44-gallon oil drum.<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" /> This, according to Nkoloso, would train the men in the feeling of [[weightlessness]] in both space travel and [[atmospheric re-entry|re-entry]].<ref name="Time" /><ref name="ITN" /><ref name="Gettysburg" /> In addition, they used a tire-swing to simulate weightlessness.<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" /><ref name="Time" /><ref name="Gettysburg" />
To train the astronauts, Nkoloso set up a makeshift facility on an abandoned farm seven miles from Lusaka where the trainees would be rolled down a rough hill in a 44-gallon oil drum.<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" /> This, according to Nkoloso, would train the men in the feeling of weightlessness in both space travel and re-entry.<ref name="Time" /><ref name="ITN" /><ref name="Gettysburg" /> In addition, they used a tire-swing to simulate weightlessness.<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" /><ref name="Time" /><ref name="Gettysburg" />


Nkoloso stated goals of the program were to establish a Christian ministry to "primitive" Martians, and the hope of Zambia becoming the "controllers of the Seventh Heaven of Interstellar space". However, he reportedly instructed the missionary in the space program not to force Christianity onto the [[Life on Mars (planet)|native Martian inhabitants]].<ref name="bootsnall" />{{unreliable source?|date=December 2013}}
Nkoloso stated goals of the program were to establish a Christian ministry to "primitive" Martians, and the hope of Zambia becoming the "controllers of the Seventh Heaven of Interstellar space". However, he reportedly instructed the missionary in the space program not to force Christianity onto the native Martian inhabitants.<ref name="bootsnall" />{{unreliable source?|date=December 2013}}


The rocket, named D-Kalu 1, was a 10-foot x 6-foot drum-shaped vessel.<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" /><ref name="Middel" /> Named after the first president, [[Kenneth Kaunda|Kenneth David Kaunda]], he claimed it was made of aluminium and copper, and space worthy. The planned launch date was on 24 October 1964, Independence Day, and would take place from the [[Independence Stadium (Zambia)|Independence Stadium]],<ref name="ITN" /> but was purportedly denied permission due to being inappropriate.<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" />
The rocket, named D-Kalu 1, was a 10-foot x 6-foot drum-shaped vessel.<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" /><ref name="Middel" /> Named after the first president, [[Kenneth Kaunda|Kenneth David Kaunda]], he claimed it was made of aluminium and copper, and space worthy. The planned launch date was on 24 October 1964, Independence Day, and would take place from the [[Independence Stadium (Zambia)|Independence Stadium]],<ref name="ITN" /> but was purportedly denied permission due to being inappropriate.<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" />


It is said that he then asked [[UNESCO]] for a grant of [[Zambian pound|£]]7,000,000 in Zambian pounds to support his space program.<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" /> It is also said he requested $1.9 billion from "private foreign sources". However, the Ministry of Power, Transport and Communication is reported as stating those requests had not been made on the behalf of Zambia.<ref name="Gettysburg" /><ref name="Ministry" />
It is said that he then asked UNESCO for a grant of [[Zambian pound|£]]7,000,000 in Zambian pounds to support his space program.<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" /> It is also said he requested $1.9 billion from "private foreign sources". However, the Ministry of Power, Transport and Communication is reported as stating those requests had not been made on the behalf of Zambia.<ref name="Gettysburg" /><ref name="Ministry" />


The term "Afronauts", coined by Nkoloso, refers to the participants of this program.<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" />
The term "Afronauts", coined by Nkoloso, refers to the participants of this program.<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" />
Line 42: Line 41:
Nkoloso stated the program failed due to lack of funds, the pregnancy of astronaut Matha Mwambwa and her subsequently leaving the program to return to her parents, and problems with morale due to media attention.<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" /> The rocket was claimed to have been sabotaged "by foreign elements". The Zambian government distanced itself from Nkoloso's endeavour.<ref name="Gettysburg" /><ref name="Ministry" />
Nkoloso stated the program failed due to lack of funds, the pregnancy of astronaut Matha Mwambwa and her subsequently leaving the program to return to her parents, and problems with morale due to media attention.<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" /> The rocket was claimed to have been sabotaged "by foreign elements". The Zambian government distanced itself from Nkoloso's endeavour.<ref name="Gettysburg" /><ref name="Ministry" />


A photograph book ''Afronauts'' commemorating the events was self-published by Cristina De Middel in 2012.<ref name="Middel" /> The short independent documentary film titled ''Afronauts'' directed by Frances Bodomo is slated to be premiered at the [[Sundance Film Festival]] in 2014.<ref name="SundanceAfronauts" />
A photograph book ''Afronauts'' commemorating the events was self-published by Cristina De Middel in 2012.<ref name="Middel" /> The short independent documentary film titled ''Afronauts'' directed by Frances Bodomo is slated to be premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2014.<ref name="SundanceAfronauts" />


==Later life==
==Later life==
He unsuccessfully ran for mayor of [[Lusaka]], [[Zambia]], emphasising scientific advancement. He was appointed by President Kaunda to the Liberation Center,<ref name="whiting" /> a movement for regional freedom. He championed government support for [[witch doctor]]s on at least one occasion. He claimed that they should have a place beside physicians, and that they are an antidote for Christianity which had hurt Africa's medical skills, but states that he did not practice [[witchcraft]] himself.<ref name="whiting" /> He retired in 1972.<ref name="LusakaYears" />
He unsuccessfully ran for mayor of [[Lusaka]], [[Zambia]], emphasising scientific advancement. He was appointed by President Kaunda to the Liberation Center,<ref name="whiting" /> a movement for regional freedom. He championed government support for witch doctors on at least one occasion. He claimed that they should have a place beside physicians, and that they are an antidote for Christianity which had hurt Africa's medical skills, but states that he did not practice witchcraft himself.<ref name="whiting" /> He retired in 1972.<ref name="LusakaYears" />


He received a law degree from the [[University of Zambia]] in 1983. He was awarded the Russian [[Jubilee Medal "Forty Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945"]].<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" /> He also served as president of the Ndola Ex-servicemen's Association and made an honorary army colonel.<ref name="Banda" /> He died on 4 March 1989, and buried with presidential honours.<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" />
He received a law degree from the [[University of Zambia]] in 1983. He was awarded the Russian Jubilee Medal "Forty Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945".<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" /> He also served as president of the Ndola Ex-servicemen's Association and made an honorary army colonel.<ref name="Banda" /> He died on 4 March 1989, and buried with presidential honours.<ref name="FacesOfAfrica" />


== Popular culture ==
== Popular culture ==
In 2014 Nkoloso was depicted in a film "Nkoloso the Afronaut" that was nominated at 2014 Uganda Film Festival.<ref>http://ugandafilmfestival.ug/new/nkoloso-the-afronaut/</ref>
In 2014 Nkoloso was depicted in a film "Nkoloso the Afronaut" that was nominated at 2014 Uganda Film Festival.<ref>http://ugandafilmfestival.ug/new/nkoloso-the-afronaut/</ref>
==Related videos==
{{columns-list|2|
*{{#ev:youtube|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abVrYdYNAyU|420||Edward Nkoloso space programme|frame}}
}}


==References==
==References==
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{{Portal bar|Biography|Zambia|Spaceflight}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Zambia|Spaceflight}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Nkoloso, Edward Mukuka}}
[[Category:Zambian scientists]]
[[Category:Zambian scientists]]
[[Category:1989 deaths]]
[[Category:1989 deaths]]
[[Category:1964 in Zambia]]
[[Category:1964 in Zambia]]
[[Category:Zambian prisoners and detainees]]
[[Category:Prisoners and detainees of Rhodesia]]
[[Category:People from Northern Province]]
[[Category:People from Northern Province]]
[[Category:Space program of Zambia]]
[[Category:People of Zambia]]
[[Category:Space advocates]]

Latest revision as of 08:02, 23 September 2016

Edward Mukuka Nkoloso
Mukuka Nkoloso.jpg
NationalityZambia
StatusDeceased
BornNorthern Rhodesia
Died4 March 1989
Other occupation
Director, national academy of science
liberation center representative
Previous occupation
Freedom fighter; teacher
University of Zambia
RankColonel
Retirement1972
AwardsJubilee Medal "Forty Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945" (1984)

Edward Festus Mukuka Nkoloso was a resident of Zambia. He joined the British forces in World War II, and served as a sergeant in the signal corp. After the war, he became translator for the Northern Rhodesian government. He was also a grade school teacher, and opened a new school, which was purportedly shut down by British authorities. He then joined the resistance movement.[1][2][3][4] He was arrested and imprisoned in 1956 and 1957.[1] Following his release, he was appointed as security official of United National Independence Party.[1][5] In 1960, he founded the Zambia National Academy of Science, Space Research and Philosophy.[1][4][5][6][7] In 1964, he participated in the Constitutional Convention.[3]

Space program

From 1960 until sometime after 1969, this program sought to accomplish the launching of a rocket that would send one girl, 17-year-old Matha Mwambwa, and two cats to the moon. There were also plans for a trip to Mars.[1] Nkoloso hoped to beat the United States and Soviet Union's respective space programs at the height of the Space Race.[8]

To train the astronauts, Nkoloso set up a makeshift facility on an abandoned farm seven miles from Lusaka where the trainees would be rolled down a rough hill in a 44-gallon oil drum.[1] This, according to Nkoloso, would train the men in the feeling of weightlessness in both space travel and re-entry.[4][6][7] In addition, they used a tire-swing to simulate weightlessness.[1][4][7]

Nkoloso stated goals of the program were to establish a Christian ministry to "primitive" Martians, and the hope of Zambia becoming the "controllers of the Seventh Heaven of Interstellar space". However, he reportedly instructed the missionary in the space program not to force Christianity onto the native Martian inhabitants.[8][unreliable source?]

The rocket, named D-Kalu 1, was a 10-foot x 6-foot drum-shaped vessel.[1][9] Named after the first president, Kenneth David Kaunda, he claimed it was made of aluminium and copper, and space worthy. The planned launch date was on 24 October 1964, Independence Day, and would take place from the Independence Stadium,[6] but was purportedly denied permission due to being inappropriate.[1]

It is said that he then asked UNESCO for a grant of £7,000,000 in Zambian pounds to support his space program.[1] It is also said he requested $1.9 billion from "private foreign sources". However, the Ministry of Power, Transport and Communication is reported as stating those requests had not been made on the behalf of Zambia.[7][10]

The term "Afronauts", coined by Nkoloso, refers to the participants of this program.[1]

Aftermath

Nkoloso stated the program failed due to lack of funds, the pregnancy of astronaut Matha Mwambwa and her subsequently leaving the program to return to her parents, and problems with morale due to media attention.[1] The rocket was claimed to have been sabotaged "by foreign elements". The Zambian government distanced itself from Nkoloso's endeavour.[7][10]

A photograph book Afronauts commemorating the events was self-published by Cristina De Middel in 2012.[9] The short independent documentary film titled Afronauts directed by Frances Bodomo is slated to be premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2014.[11]

Later life

He unsuccessfully ran for mayor of Lusaka, Zambia, emphasising scientific advancement. He was appointed by President Kaunda to the Liberation Center,[12] a movement for regional freedom. He championed government support for witch doctors on at least one occasion. He claimed that they should have a place beside physicians, and that they are an antidote for Christianity which had hurt Africa's medical skills, but states that he did not practice witchcraft himself.[12] He retired in 1972.[5]

He received a law degree from the University of Zambia in 1983. He was awarded the Russian Jubilee Medal "Forty Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945".[1] He also served as president of the Ndola Ex-servicemen's Association and made an honorary army colonel.[2] He died on 4 March 1989, and buried with presidential honours.[1]

Popular culture

In 2014 Nkoloso was depicted in a film "Nkoloso the Afronaut" that was nominated at 2014 Uganda Film Festival.[13]

Related videos

<templatestyles src="Div col/styles.css"/>

  • Edward Nkoloso space programme

References

<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 Lua error in ...ribunto/includes/engines/LuaCommon/lualib/mwInit.lua at line 23: bad argument #1 to 'old_ipairs' (table expected, got nil).
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Lua error in ...ribunto/includes/engines/LuaCommon/lualib/mwInit.lua at line 23: bad argument #1 to 'old_ipairs' (table expected, got nil).
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Lua error in ...ribunto/includes/engines/LuaCommon/lualib/mwInit.lua at line 23: bad argument #1 to 'old_ipairs' (table expected, got nil).
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Lua error in ...ribunto/includes/engines/LuaCommon/lualib/mwInit.lua at line 23: bad argument #1 to 'old_ipairs' (table expected, got nil).
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Lua error in ...ribunto/includes/engines/LuaCommon/lualib/mwInit.lua at line 23: bad argument #1 to 'old_ipairs' (table expected, got nil).
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Lua error in ...ribunto/includes/engines/LuaCommon/lualib/mwInit.lua at line 23: bad argument #1 to 'old_ipairs' (table expected, got nil).
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Lua error in ...ribunto/includes/engines/LuaCommon/lualib/mwInit.lua at line 23: bad argument #1 to 'old_ipairs' (table expected, got nil).
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Lua error in ...ribunto/includes/engines/LuaCommon/lualib/mwInit.lua at line 23: bad argument #1 to 'old_ipairs' (table expected, got nil).
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Lua error in ...ribunto/includes/engines/LuaCommon/lualib/mwInit.lua at line 23: bad argument #1 to 'old_ipairs' (table expected, got nil).
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Lua error in ...ribunto/includes/engines/LuaCommon/lualib/mwInit.lua at line 23: bad argument #1 to 'old_ipairs' (table expected, got nil).
  11. ↑ Lua error in ...ribunto/includes/engines/LuaCommon/lualib/mwInit.lua at line 23: bad argument #1 to 'old_ipairs' (table expected, got nil).
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Lua error in ...ribunto/includes/engines/LuaCommon/lualib/mwInit.lua at line 23: bad argument #1 to 'old_ipairs' (table expected, got nil).
  13. ↑ http://ugandafilmfestival.ug/new/nkoloso-the-afronaut/

Further reading

  • Patrick Moore, (1972), Can you speak Venusian?: A guide to independent thinkers. David and Charles

External links

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