Kenya has joined the space race with the launch of Taifa-1 satellite which is believed to be a great milestone in the country’s history.
This is the first Kenya’s operational satellite, Taifa-1, that has successfully launched today morning on board the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
Dr Marigi noted that it is estimated that the satellite will fly over Kenya for seven minutes once every four days. Through the seven minutes it will be flying over Kenya, data captured by the satellite will be downloaded in a facility which is currently being set up at Kasarani.
“Data captured will be used by agriculture experts to predict crop yields and to analyze vegetation to determine how crops and fairing. Agriculture experts will also use the data to compare crop yields between different regions in the country.” Said Dr Marigi.
The move, according to UDA chairman Johnson Muthama, does not only enhance our country’s scientific standing globally, but it will also advance the growth of space programmes and technology and position Kenya as a leading player in the 4th industrial revolution.
Furthermore, it will help in addressing challenges facing the country through data driven solutions.
