Senegal has achieved a significant milestone in its pursuit of technological advancement with the successful launch of its first satellite, GAINDESAT-1A, into orbit.
According to President Macky Sall’s representative, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the launch from California’s Vandenberg base on Friday at 6:56 p.m. marks a crucial step towards the country’s “technological sovereignty”.
This achievement solidifies Senegal’s position as a pioneer in West Africa’s space exploration and development.”
“The result of five years of hard work by our engineers and technicians. This advance marks a major step towards our technological sovereignty,” Faye said.
“I would like to express my pride and gratitude to all those who made this project possible,” he added.
Senegal’s public broadcaster, RTS, said the satellite was designed and manufactured by Senegalese engineers, in partnership with the French Montpellier University Space Centre, CSUM.
The broadcaster said a Falcon 9 rocket took off from Vandenberg base and launched a number of satellites, including the GAINDESAT-1A, into orbit.
RTS said the 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.
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