Kenya to launch ‘Taifa-1’ observation satellite on April 10

On April 10, the Kenya Space Agency (KSA) will launch “Taifa-1,” its initial operational Earth observation satellite. The launch will take place atop a Falcon 9 rocket owned by SpaceX. As stated by KSA, the potential Taifa-1 satellite mission has become a pivotal moment to earn Kenya’s space program along with is expected to result in a major effect on the growth of Kenya’s establishing space economy’s abilities in the fields of satellite growth and development, data analytics and processing, and application development.

The above 3U earth observation satellite’s data will supplement the industry’s present open-source offerings. The Sustainable Development Goals will be furthered by providing decision-support to stakeholders who rely on space-derived data-driven solutions.

The Kenyan crew, according to KSA, got specialized training in orbital mechanics, space systems engineering, space operations, and project management in order to comprehend and create a mission that would endure the harsh space environment. The project involved research and development for various satellite mission design components, the whole satellite development cycle, in-orbit control, along with information reception and processing, according to the KSA and the Defense Ministry.

In a joint statement released on Monday, the KSA and the Ministry of Defense stated that the satellite will deliver timely and routine satellite data for decision-making support for many applications, including food and agricultural security, natural resource management, disaster management, including environmental monitoring. The launch marks the conclusion of a 24-month-long KSA mission concept and satellite development process.

According to KSA, a group of Kenyan specialists completely conceived and developed Taifa-1. It additionally serves as a capacity-building endeavor for Kenyan engineers in fields including satellite data processing, ground receiving site operations, mission control, and space systems engineering, according to KSA.

If the weather and other factors permit, a delegation from the Kenyan government will visit the one that powers the Vandenberg Space Force Station within California, USA, under the leadership of Patrick Mariru, Principal Secretary in the Dept. of Defense. The technical team from KSA will keep an eye on the Mission around the Nairobi Headquarters as well.