Kenya set to launch first operational earth observation satellite with SpaceX

The launch, which is set to be aided by Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX), will take place in Vandenberg Base, California, UDA aborad Falcon-9 Rocket.

According to a joint statement from the Ministry of Defence and KSA on Monday, the mission is designed to provide precise and timely earth observation satellite data to stakeholders in the diverse fields of application including agriculture and food security.

The satellite will provide data for decision support to agriculture and food security, natural resources management and environmental monitoring among other details.

Another objective of the mission will be to "develop Kenya's technical capacity on the whole value chain of space technology development and applications." 

Key milestone for Kenya

The mission plays a pivotal role in putting Kenya on the global map because it contributes significantly to the growth of satellite development, data analysis and processing and development of applications.

The construction and design of the satellite has been fully executed by a team of Kenyan engineers. The manufacturing of the parts and their testing was done in collaboration with Endurosat AD, a Bulgarian aerospace manufacturer.

KSA says the launch mission is the product of a design and development process that has been conducted for over two years.

A delegation from Kenya will travel to the USA for the launch led by Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru to witness the launch, "weather and other conditions permitting."