Senegal has officially joined China's International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project, marking a major milestone in its space exploration efforts. The Senegalese Space Study Agency (ASES) signed an agreement with the China National Space Administration (CNSA) on September 5, 2024, during the Second International Conference on Deep Space Exploration in Tunxi, China. ASES director Maram Kaire and CNSA chief engineer Li Guoping formalized the partnership, positioning Senegal alongside global efforts to advance lunar research.

Senegal now joins African nations like Egypt, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Kenya in collaborating on the ILRS project, which aims to establish a lunar research station by 2028. The project, designed for long-term robotic missions with periodic human involvement, has attracted interest from over ten countries and 40 international organizations.

This partnership comes shortly after Senegal’s successful launch of its first satellite, Gaindesat-1A, in August 2024, highlighting the country's growing role in space exploration. The collaboration is expected to boost innovation and scientific research as Senegal continues to develop its space industry and contribute to global lunar exploration.

 

Article by Jed Mwangi

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https://spaceinafrica.com/2024/09/05/senegal-joins-chinas-ilrs-moon-project/