Senegal launches first satellite, marking a historic moment
Senegal has accomplished a major milestone in advancing its “technological sovereignty” following the successful launch of its first satellite into space, as announced by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
According to a post by President Faye on X (formerly Twitter), the GAINDESAT-1A satellite was launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. It is now one of the 12 countries in Africa that have their own communication and surveillance satellites in orbit.
Faye said the country’s engineers and technicians have worked tirelessly for the past five years, and this achievement is a significant step towards their technological sovereignty. To everyone participating in the endeavour, he also conveyed his gratitude and pride.
Senegal’s space agency director, Maram Kaïré, called the launch “a significant milestone and an important day in our country’s development and commitment to become a space-faring nation.” French experts at Montpellier University Space Centre in France worked with Senegalese engineers to build GAINDESAT-1A.
In order to support the operations of several governmental organizations, such as the National Civil Aviation and Meteorological Agency and the Directorate for Water Resources Management and Planning (DGPRE), the satellite will collect vital data.
Two months ago, Senegal became a member of the club of oil producing nations. Renegotiating oil and gas contracts is part of Faye’s top priority, which he pledged throughout his campaign, before becoming Africa’s youngest democratically elected president.
Written by Precious Adams
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