Kenya’s government announced on Monday that the country will launch its inaugural operational satellite next week. The launch marks a significant milestone for Kenya’s space program.

Kenya is set to launch its first operational satellite, Taifa-1, on April 10th, in a significant achievement for the country’s space program.

The satellite, developed entirely by Kenyan engineers, will be launched on board the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The observation satellite will provide data on agriculture and food security, among other areas, and contribute to the country’s budding space economy.

Testing and manufacturing of the parts were done in collaboration with a Bulgarian aerospace manufacturer. Kenya’s satellite launch comes as other African nations push for scientific innovation and the development of space programs.

According to Space in Africa, at least 13 African countries had manufactured 48 satellites as of 2022, including Ethiopia, Angola, South Africa, Sudan, and others.