25 October 2023
Senegal is moving towards putting its first satellite, GAINDESAT, into orbit.
The construction of this satellite is the result of a partnership agreement signed with the Montpellier University Space Center (CSUM). The centre agreed to train the Senegalese engineers and technicians who built the nanosatellite, which took three years.
The initiative is part of the implementation of the Senegalese national space program, ‘SenSAT,’ which aims to make the space sector a lever for the socio-economic development of Senegal through the design and operation of space tools with the aim of satisfying the country's needs in space products and services. Initially planned for 2021, the launch of the first Senegalese satellite was postponed to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senegal’s government also confirmed that it is finalising the construction of a space control centre in partnership with the National Center for Space Studies of France and Ariane Group.
