By Nnenna Ibeh

In what appears to be a great move, Côte d'Ivoire is ready to launch its first-ever satellite - YAM-SAT-CI 01. It will be a nanosatellite for the observation of the Earth. 

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), nanosatellites weigh between 1kg and 10kg.

The satellite is 100 percent Ivorian; as a private company that promotes scientific and technological development in Côte d'Ivoire, Universal Konstructors Associated will be handling the initiative in partnership with Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny of Yamoussoukro.

Equipped with a camera that can provide images of the country's coast, forests, natural parks, and urban areas, the satellite will be launched within the next two years - 2025.

YAM-SAT-CI 01 will help identify, track, and map security threats, including illegal immigration, deforestation, illegal gold mining, soil humidity, and water reservoirs.

It will also reduce and manage the drastic effect of flooding, drought, and other natural disasters.

The outreach activities of the nanosatellite is geared toward promoting astronomy and space science to the broader public.

It will also increase the scientific literacy of the population and, on the other hand, inspire the younger generation, especially women, towards scientific careers.