Senegal to Expand Space Capabilities with GAINDESAT-1B Launch in 2026
Senegal plans to launch its second satellite, GAINDESAT-1B, in 2026, Professor Gayane Faye, coordinator of the SENSAT satellite programme, announced on 15 January during his opening lecture for the 2025-2026 academic year at the Centre for Advanced Defence and Security Studies (CHEDS) in Dakar.
Building on First Satellite Success
The new satellite is designed to build upon GAINDESAT-1A, Senegal’s first satellite, which was launched in August 2024 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in the United States. The 1U CubeSat collects environmental data and imagery supporting natural resource management, territorial monitoring, and climate observation.
Technological Sovereignty and Local Expertise
The Head of Communication, Marketing & Partnership at SENSAT, Ms Ndeye Khady DIOP, comments on the project’s impact. “A major evolution for this project lies in the fact that GAINDESAT-1B is being entirely integrated and assembled by our Senegalese engineers. This bears witness to the success of our technology transfer strategy and the empowerment of our national expertise”.
The satellite will consolidate Senegal’s space infrastructure for data collection, which is essential for environmental monitoring, resource management, and national security. With GAINDESAT-1B, authorities aim to expand Senegal’s space capabilities, which they view as supporting sovereignty and national security objectives.
Academic Development and Capacity Building
The launch forms part of a long-term vision, notably supported by the planned creation of a doctoral school in space research within CHEDS. The future doctoral programme will train officers, security professionals, and researchers, with the aim of aligning scientific work more closely with operational state needs. Whilst the doctoral school will have a strong focus on space research, it will not be dedicated exclusively to the space sector, according to Ms Ndeye.
This initiative represents a significant step in developing local expertise and ensuring that Senegal can sustain and expand its space capabilities through homegrown talent and knowledge.
Advancing National Space Ambitions
The GAINDESAT-1B launch showcases Senegal’s commitment to building comprehensive space capabilities that serve both civilian and security applications, whilst fostering technological independence and scientific advancement through education and research programmes.