On 23 March 2023, Senegalese President Macky Sall announced the establishment of the country’s space agency, the Senegalese Space Study Agency, to promote the country’s socioeconomic development and the continuous investigation of the universe. The president expressed his intention to launch the agency before the documentary premiere, ‘Nova Star Chasers of Senegal’.

The documentary, produced by Ruth Berry and co-produced by the USA’s science television, Nova-PBS and Austria’s Terra Master’s Factual Studios, showcased Senegal’s contribution to National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) scientific endeavours, starring Senegalese astronomer Maram Kaire, taking viewers on a journey to investigate his nation’s rich and deep history of astronomy, reaching back thousands of years – and the promising future ahead.

Furthermore, President Macky Sall revealed that Maram Kaire would head the Senegalese Space Study Agency and that his office had been discussing with Maram for over a year to put in place the necessary steps for the successful launch of the space agency. 

According to the Senegalese President, the continent must be involved in missions and research that advance the knowledge about the solar systems and the universe, contributing to humankind’s understanding of our place in the ecosystem.

Furthermore, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, Cheikh Oumar Anne, reinstated the country’s plans to launch a nanosatellite in the third quarter of 2023. In 2019, the government had previously set a two-year timeline to build and launch its first satellite to foster and utilise space-based applications for all-inclusive developmental purposes and scientific advancements to propel the industrial revolution in the country.