China Deploys First Batch of Qianfan Satellites to Enhance Global Mobile Connectivity
Sunday, 18 August 2024 17:11On August 6, the China National Space Agency successfully launched 18 communication satellites, the initial group of the Qianfan network, using a Long March 6A rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi province. These satellites have been positioned in their designated orbit, marking a significant step toward expanding mobile communication services globally. The Qianfan con
Rare 'Supermoon Blue Moon' begins Monday; 1st of 4 upcoming supermoons
Sunday, 18 August 2024 17:11Sky gazers across the United States and the rest of the world have a treat in store next week when a rare "Supermoon Blue Moon" will come into view, one of four on tap in the coming months. The upcoming supermoon event begins at 2:26 p.m. EDT on Monday and will last for three days, according to NASA. A supermoon is defined as a new or full Moon that occurs when the Moon is within
Senegal's first satellite successfully launched
Sunday, 18 August 2024 10:25Senegal's first satellite has been successfully launched into orbit, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye said, adding the move marked a major step towards the West African country's "technological sovereignty".
The GAINDESAT-1A satellite was launched at 18:56 GMT Friday from the Vandenberg base in California, Faye wrote in a post on X late Friday.
"The result of five years of hard work by our engineers and technicians, this advance marks a major step towards our technological sovereignty," Faye said.
"I would like to express my pride and gratitude to all those who made this project possible," he added.
Senegal's public broadcaster RTS said the satellite was designed and manufactured by Senegalese engineers, in partnership with the French Montpellier University Space Centre (CSUM).
The broadcaster said a Falcon 9 rocket took off from Vandenberg base and launched a number of satellites, including the GAINDESAT-1A, into orbit.
RTS said the satellite will collect data for various state agencies including the Directorate for Water Resources Management and Planning (DGPRE) and the National Civil Aviation and Meteorology Agency.
© 2024 AFP
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