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Senegal achieved a historic milestone with the successful launch of its first satellite, GAINDESAT-1A, into orbit, marking a significant step in the nation’s pursuit of technological advancement.
The satellite was launched on Friday at 6:56 p.m. from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, an achievement that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye described as the result of “five years of hard work” by Senegalese engineers and technicians.
“This advance marks a major step towards our technological sovereignty,” President Faye wrote on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his pride and gratitude to all who contributed to the project’s success.
“I would like to express my pride and gratitude to all those who made this project possible,” Faye stated.
The launch of GAINDESAT-1A represents not only a technical achievement but also a symbol of national growth and resilience.
In spite of the challenges and delays faced over the years, Senegal has successfully entered the space age, a move that is expected to have far-reaching implications for the country’s development.
The satellite, launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, will collect crucial data for various state agencies, including the Directorate for Water Resources Management and Planning (DGPRE) and the National Civil Aviation and Meteorology Agency, thereby supporting key sectors such as water resource management and aviation.
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This achievement is a testament to Senegal’s commitment to advancing its technological capabilities and underscores the importance of investing in science and technology for national development.
President Faye noted that the successful launch is not just a technical victory but a step towards greater autonomy and sovereignty in the global technological landscape, highlighting the collective effort that made this groundbreaking event possible.
