Senegal launches first ever satellite into space 

Senegal has marked an historic milestone with the successful launch of its first satellite from California, United States, on Sunday evening.

It has become one of just 12 African nations with their own surveillance and telecommunications satellites in space.

The country’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye said the move marks a major step towards Senegal’s “technological sovereignty”.

“I would like to express my pride and gratitude to all those who made this project possible,” he said in a post on X.

Maram Kaïré, director of Senegal space agency, described the launch as “an important step and a historic day in our country’s progress and determination to become a space-faring nation”.

GAINDESAT-1A was built by Senegalese engineers in collaboration with France’s Montpellier University Space Centre.

The nanosatellite was launched into orbit, together with 115 others, from the Vandenberg base in California using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.

It will be used to collect data for various state agencies including those dealing with water resources, civil aviation, and meteorology.

Initially announced in 2018, the project is a collaboration between the Senegalese government and the Russian space agency, Roscosmos.

The satellite, named Senegal 1, will be used for a variety of purposes, including earth observation, telecommunications, and navigation.

The government has invested heavily in the project, with a budget of over $200 million, and has established a new space agency, the Senegalese Space Agency (SSA), to oversee the project.

The SSA will be responsible for operating the satellite and developing Senegal’s space program, with plans to launch additional satellites in the future.

The Senegal Satellite Project has the potential to have a significant impact on the country’s development and economic growth. By providing valuable data and insights, the satellite will enable the government to make informed decisions on development and resource management, leading to more effective governance and improved living standards for citizens.

Additionally, the project will inspire a new generation of Senegalese scientists and engineers, promoting interest in STEM education and careers.

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