Kenya launches its first satellite into space

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched the Taifa-1 Earth observation satellite into orbit from Vandenberg Base, California at 1:48 p.m. on April 15..

Satellite Taifa-1 separated from the rocket approximately one hour and four minutes after launch. “It is confirmed that Taifa-1 has split”, Space X said during the narration. Before being successful, the launch was delayed 3 times due to bad weather.

Aifa-1, developed by nine Kenyan engineers, will collect data on agriculture and the environment, including floods, droughts and forest fires. Authorities intend to use this data to manage disasters and address food insecurity.

“We are facing the challenges posed by climate change. The new satellite, with its imaging capabilities, can help us in monitoring. We can track changes in forests and urbanization.”said Alloyce Were, an aeronautical engineer and deputy director of the Kenya Space Agency’s Office of Navigation and Positioning.

The authorities plan to use the data from this satellite for disaster management.

The authorities plan to use the data from this satellite for disaster management.

Data from the satellite is expected to be returned in the coming months and the Kenya Space Agency has set up a team of experts to analyze it. Information will be distributed free of charge to government agencies and private companies for a reasonable fee.

According to the Kenya Space Agency, Taifa-1 was assembled with the help of Aerospace company Endurosat (Bulgari) at a cost of USD 372,000 for two years. The satellite will operate for about 5 years, then gradually lower its orbit for 20 years, fall into the atmosphere and burn up.

Many Kenyans watched the launch online with excitement. Some describe the launching of Taifa-1 as a moment of national pride. Previously, the country had launched an experimental nano-satellite since 2018. By the end of 2022, 14 African countries had launched a total of 52 satellites.

Article source: VnExpress