Senegal achieved a major milestone with the launch of its first satellite, GAINDESAT-1A, from California. Designed by Senegalese engineers with French collaboration, the satellite will enhance resource management and weather forecasting.

Senegal has achieved a historic milestone with the successful launch of its first satellite, GAINDESAT-1A, as announced by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The satellite was launched at 6:46 p.m. GMT on Friday from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, as stated by Faye on the social media platform X.

"After five years of tireless work by our engineers and technicians, this advancement represents a significant step toward our technological sovereignty. I want to express my pride and gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this project a reality," Faye wrote on X.

Reports indicate that GAINDESAT-1A was designed and manufactured by Senegalese engineers in collaboration with the French Space University Center of Montpellier (CSUM). The satellite will mainly collect data for various state agencies, including the Directorate for Water Resource Management and Planning, to improve the management of the country’s resources. Additionally, it will provide data to the National Civil Aviation and Meteorology Agency to enhance weather forecasting and aviation safety.

Earlier this year, King Mohammed VI sent a message of congratulations to Faye following his election as President of Senegal. In his message, King Mohammed VI acknowledged that the Senegalese people had entrusted Faye with the responsibility of leading the nation by electing him in the first round. The monarch also highlighted the strong cultural and spiritual bonds that underpin the relationship between Morocco and Senegal.

The launch of this satellite opens new opportunities for Senegal, both nationally and internationally, positioning the country as a significant player in Africa’s space sector. As of 2022, Space Hubs Africa reported that the continent had launched 52 satellites, with most leading countries being North African. Senegal’s achievement now places the country prominently on the map of African space accomplishments.