Pan African Visions

Kenya’s Satellite Launch Delayed Over Unfavorable Weather

April 12, 2023

By Jean-Pierre Afadhali Kenya’s earth observation satellite that was expected to be launched into space from the United States of America (USA) today has been postponed to tomorrow Wednesday due to bad weather conditions. The East African country’s ministry of Defense has announced in a statement that the much anticipated Taifa-1 (Nation-1) satellite that was slated to be launched earlier today along with other satellites by US-based SpaceX has been delayed by 24 hours due to bad weather. Space-X, which manufactures and launches the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft, said in a statement a delay of the lift off of the Falcon 9 rocket, which will be transporting Taifa-1 alongside other satellites to the orbit. Equally Kenya’s ministry of defense and Kenya space agency said in a statement released Tuesday that the delay has been occasioned by unfavorable upper level wind conditions that would have affect the rocket's flight trajectory. "The delay affects the anticipated launch of Taifa-one satellite alongside other satellites from other countries on the same Transporter 7-rideshare mission. The launch is now expected to take place on Tuesday April 11 at 11:44pm Pacific Time (Wednesday April 12, 9:44am EAT)," the statement noted. Kenya’s spacecraft launch will make 46 Africa’s total number of spacecraft’s in the space amid increasing interests in space exploration and satellites technology that could revolutionize data access to improve agriculture and deal with climate change among other areas of Africa’s economy. The Taifa-1, the second satellite Kenya will launch is expected to provide accurate and timely data to Kenya that will be used in various sectors. Egypt was the first country to launch satellite in Africa in 1998. In recent years a number of African country have shown interests in space that was reserved for developed economies. However, the role of the continent is still limited to 5 percent. Africa’s contribution to the space industry is estimated at USD 20 billion. Kenya has organized an event to view the satellite launch at University of Nairobi and discuss the role of satellite and space technologies in boosting access to timely and accurate data that will be used in various sectors of economy and opportunities in space industry.    

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