Senegal has successfully launched its first satellite, GAINDESAT-1A, marking a significant milestone in the country's pursuit of technological sovereignty.

The satellite was launched at 18:56 GMT from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California using a Falcon 9 rocket.

This launch not only deployed GAINDESAT-1A but also included several other satellites.

Designed and built by Senegalese engineers in collaboration with the French Montpellier University Space Centre, the satellite represents five years of dedicated effort.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye expressed pride in the achievement, acknowledging the hard work of the engineers and technicians involved.

Maram Kaïré, director of Senegal's space agency, described the launch as a historic day for the nation's ambitions in space exploration.

GAINDESAT-1A is designed to collect vital data for various state agencies, including those focused on water resources, civil aviation, and meteorology.

The satellite aims to enhance resource management and improve weather forecasting and aviation safety through its data collection capabilities.

With this launch, Senegal joins a select group of only 12 African nations that possess their own surveillance and telecommunications satellites.

In a post on X, President Faye expressed gratitude to all those involved in making the satellite project a reality.