Djibouti has marked a significant stride in technology and climate research with the successful launch of its first satellite, Djibouti-1A. This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort between the country's Ministry of Higher Education and Research and its technical partner, the Centre Spatial Universitaire de Montpellier (CSUM) in France. The initiative is part of a joint capacity-building program aimed at fostering technological advancements in the region.

Developed under the Djiboutian space program, Djibouti-1A is a nanosatellite designed to focus on environmental protection and economic development while providing critical data for climate research. The primary mission of the satellite is to monitor and track environmental changes across Djibouti, contributing valuable insights for climate research and evidence-based policymaking.

Djibouti, situated in the Horn of Africa with a Red Sea border, faces severe challenges such as water scarcity, elevated temperatures, increased aridity, and rising sea levels. These issues make its one-million-strong population highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The newly launched satellite is a strategic response to these challenges, supporting the collection of data from climatological, rainfall, and limnimetric stations spread across the country.

The Climate Change Knowledge Portal of the World Bank underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges, and Djibouti-1A is poised to play a vital role in supporting evidence-based policymaking by providing essential data for climate research.

Nabil Mohamed Ahmed, the Minister of Higher Education and Research in Djibouti highlighted the significance of the collaborative effort, pointing out the active involvement of Djiboutian engineers and technicians alongside their counterparts in France. The project prioritized training students, showcasing Djibouti's commitment to self-reliance in satellite manufacturing and deployment.

This achievement not only advances Djibouti's climate research capabilities but also serves as a model for fostering innovation and scientific inquiry across Africa. Djibouti's collaborative approach involving academia, research institutions, and the space industry sets an example for other African nations, demonstrating the potential for indigenous satellite development tailored to specific regional needs. This initiative contributes to the broader goal of achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on the continent, positioning Djibouti as a capable player in the field of satellite manufacturing and deployment.

 

Article by RB Correspodent

Photo/Google

https://africanews.space/djibouti-launches-first-satellite-djibouti-1a/