A nanosatellite designed and developed by a team of Djiboutian researchers was successfully launched into orbit from the Vandenberg Space Station. The satellite will be placed at an altitude of 520 kilometers to carry out its mission of providing climatological data to the local Center for Studies and Research.

In addition to collecting climatological data, the nanosatellite will also be utilized for real-time data transmission from stations scattered throughout the territory. These stations, located in areas without internet coverage and often difficult to access, provide crucial data such as climatological and seismological information.

President Ismail Omar Guelleh hailed the launch of the satellite as a historic moment for Djibouti, stating that the nation is entering a space age and contributing to the collection of crucial data. He expressed his excitement on the social network X (formerly Twitter) by writing, “Djibouti is entering a space age, contributing to the collection of crucial data for our nation. #djibouti #SpaceX.”

The project to develop a nanosatellite was initiated by President Guelleh three years ago when he commissioned the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (Mensur) to collaborate with the University Space Center of the University of Montpellier (CSUM), a leading French institution in the field.

This successful launch marks a significant milestone for Djibouti in its pursuit of scientific and technological advancements. The nanosatellite will play a vital role in providing valuable climatological data and facilitating real-time data transmission from areas with limited connectivity.