Senegal’s first satellite, GAINDESAT-1A, has successfully been launched into orbit, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced.
The satellite, the culmination of five years of tireless effort by Senegalese engineers and technicians, marks a significant step towards the country’s technological independence.
Launched at 6:56 pm on Friday from the Vandenberg base in California, the GAINDESAT-1A satellite is a testament to the nation’s growing capabilities in space technology. “The result of hard work by our engineers and technicians. This advance marks a major step towards our technological sovereignty,” President Faye proudly declared on his social media post.
Senegal’s public broadcaster, RTS, revealed that the satellite was designed and manufactured by Senegalese engineers in collaboration with the French Montpellier University Space Centre (CSUM). The broadcaster also reported that a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg base lifted off and carried a number of satellites, including GAINDESAT-1A, into orbit.
The newly launched satellite will collect data for various state agencies, including the Directorate for Water Resources Management and Planning (DGPRE) and the National Civil Aviation and Meteorology Agency. This achievement is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s development, enabling more effective monitoring and management of natural resources.
President Faye expressed his gratitude and pride to all those involved in making this project possible, acknowledging the significant contributions made by Senegalese engineers and technicians. As Senegal takes its first steps in space technology, this milestone is likely to pave the way for further advancements in the country’s technological sector.
In related news, The Federal Government Of Nigeria Is Set To Launch A New Satellite, NigComSat-2, Which Is Expected To Have A Significant Impact On The Country’s Economy.
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