Tanzania has secured an orbital slot at 16 degrees west longitude for its first satellite, Information Minister Nape Nnauye revealed, calling it an "essential leap" toward technological advancement.
"This new orbit, at 16 degrees west, grants Tanzania a dedicated space in the vast celestial expanse," Nnauye said as quoted by local media.
The announcement follows earlier assurances by Nnauye in July, when he declared the government's unwavering commitment to launch the country's first satellite within a year.
"We are confident and we are currently laying the groundwork," he said, commenting on the plans for the historic milestone.
The upcoming launch will be multifaceted on many levels, warned the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Mohammed Abdulla, adding that the government has outlined a roadmap.
If the satellite is successfully launched, Tanzania will join 15 African countries that have launched about 50 orbiting spacecrafts
South Africa leads the continent in the number of satellites launched with 12 spacecrafts. Egypt (9), Nigeria and Algeria (6 each) follow Pretoria. Also in elite space company are Morocco, Kenya, Ethiopia, Angola, Ghana, Mauritius, Rwanda, Sudan, Tunisia, Uganda and Zimbabwe, all with one satellite in orbit.