Taifa-1, Kenya's first operational satellite, finally launched

Audio 01:23

Kenya Space Agency (KSA) engineers Aloyce Were (L), Deche Bungule (C) and Andrew Nyawade who designed and developed Kenya's first operational Earth observation satellite Taifa-1, hold the prototype of the Taifa-1 satellite ahead of the third cancellation of its launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, at the University of Nairobi in Nairobi on April 14, 2023. © Simon MAINA / AFP

Text by: RFI Follow

2 min

The fourth attempt was the right one! After three delays due to adverse weather conditions, Kenya's first operational satellite was launched on Saturday, April 15, around 9:48 a.m. Nairobi time. The Taifa-1 (Nation-1 in Swahili) was launched aboard the Falcon 9 rocket of the American company Space X, from California, with several dozen other satellites.

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With our correspondent in Kenya, Albane Thirouard

In 2018, Kenya had already launched a first nano-satellite, but on an experimental basis. Taifa-1 is the first operational observation satellite, i.e. the first to be able to collect and transmit data. On Friday, April 14, the launch had been stopped 28 seconds before liftoff. It was therefore all the more expected this Saturday morning.

The Falcon 9 rocket left Earth. The Taifa-1 was deployed, one hour after takeoff. After the failure of the three previous attempts, this is a relief for Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Nyawade, in charge of regulation and exploration at the Kenya Space Agency.

«

I feel pride, joy and relief. There has been a lot of stress since Monday, even though we knew that a launch can always be delayed, but in the end, the satellite will remain in orbit for about five years. So waiting a few more days was worth it. This is a moment of national pride. I believe that our country can accomplish great things in the area of space technology. This satellite will already allow us to collect our own data. The project has strengthened the capabilities of our engineers and finally raised public awareness about space technologies and what they can bring," he said.

The Taifa-1 will provide data, including high-definition images. Their analysis will make it possible to study, among other things, the evolution of the country's forest cover or to try to predict crop yields. Kenya intends to improve the management of its natural resources and better develop its agriculture.

The Taifa-1 will only start sending data in a few months. It must first stabilize in orbit and pass some tests. Kenya already sees it as a springboard to develop its space technologies and hopes to send more satellites soon.

Watch Falcon 9 launch 51 spacecraft to orbit → https://t.co/bJFjLCiTbK https://t.co/pt1iyZwZa0

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 15, 2023

► Read also Launch of the first Kenyan satellite: "For us, it is a step, a springboard"

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