The Republic of Djibouti has successfully launched its first satellite, Djibouti-1A, from the Vandenberg Space Force Base. The satellite was launched aboard the SpaceX Transporter-9 dedicated SSO rideshare mission. Djibouti-1A is the result of a joint capacity-building program between Djibouti and its technical partner, the Centre Spatial Universitaire de Montpellier (CSUM). Engineers and technicians from Djibouti designed, built, and tested the satellite in France.

In March, the satellite passed vibration tests at a joint CSUM/Latecoere facility, confirming that it met all necessary launch parameters. The project aimed to train Djiboutian engineers and technicians, resulting in the training of 10 individuals. The team collaborated with various companies involved in satellite design, manufacturing, and launch to improve the satellite’s software.

The primary purpose of Djibouti-1A is to provide the country with real-time data from climatological and seismic stations. This data includes information on temperature, rainfall, river depth, and hydrometry across the entire country. The satellite will enable policymakers to access high-definition spectral information, which can be used to enhance agriculture and effectively monitor environmental changes on a national scale.

With the successful launch of Djibouti-1A, Djibouti has achieved a significant technological milestone. The project demonstrates the country’s capability to independently manufacture and launch a satellite, contributing to its development and research efforts. The satellite represents a key step in Djibouti’s journey toward leveraging space technology for the benefit of its citizens.