First Satellite Space Launch in Africa to Happen in Somalia by End-Year-President Mohamud

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The first sattleite to be launched into space in Africa will take off in Somalia by the end of this year, President Hassan Sheiikh Mohamud has said.

Terming the launch as ‘historic’ President Mohamud told lawmakers during the reopening of Parliament Saturday that Somalia was marking a foothold in the history of space exploration.

“By the end of this year, a satellite will be launched from our country, which is the first in history to be launched from an African country, and the construction of the launch center is underway,” said President Hassan Sheikh.

The President’s remarks come almost two months after he revealed late last year that the construction of the satellite launch facility was underway in the country.

Turkey is building the facility as part of its aspirations to venture into the space, joining major players such as the U.S., UK and Russia.

 In 2021, Turkey unveiled a 10-year space roadmap that includes plans for missions to the moon, establishing a spaceport, and developing advanced satellite systems.