Senegal has reached a historic milestone with the successful launch of its first satellite, GAINDESAT-1A, into orbit. This achievement marks a significant step towards the nation’s goal of achieving “technological sovereignty,” as emphasized by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
The satellite was launched at 18:56 GMT on Friday from California’s Vandenberg base. President Faye shared the news on X (formerly Twitter) later that evening, celebrating the dedication and hard work of the Senegalese engineers and technicians who made this project a reality.
“This advance marks a major step towards our technological sovereignty,” Faye remarked, reflecting on the five years of commitment that led to this moment. He expressed deep pride and gratitude to everyone involved in this landmark accomplishment.
GAINDESAT-1A was developed by Senegalese engineers in collaboration with the Montpellier University Space Centre (CSUM) in France. The satellite was part of a broader mission carried out by a Falcon 9 rocket, which launched multiple satellites into orbit.
GAINDESAT-1A will play a crucial role in collecting data for Senegal’s state agencies, including the Directorate for Water Resources Management and Planning (DGPRE) and the National Civil Aviation and Meteorology Agency. The data gathered will support various national initiatives, strengthening the country’s technological infrastructure and capabilities.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye became President of Senegal on April 2, 2024, following a series of dramatic events leading up to his election. His journey to the presidency included a release from prison just two weeks before the March 24 election, where he secured a decisive victory with over 54% of the vote, making him the youngest president in Senegal’s history at age 44.
Faye’s rise to power occurred during a period of intense political unrest, sparked by then-President Macky Sall’s attempt to delay the election. The move led to widespread protests, ultimately forcing the Constitutional Council to restore the original election date. Faye, a former tax inspector, received crucial support from opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, whose endorsement was key to Faye’s victory, particularly after Sonko was disqualified from the race.
Upon assuming office, Faye pledged to tackle corruption, reform the economy, and renegotiate contracts with foreign companies, reflecting the electorate’s desire for greater sovereignty, development, and well-being. These promises resonated with the public’s demand for meaningful political and economic change in the country.
