Kenya’s Italian Space Center to Resume Operations

Italy is set to expand its collaboration with Kenya by relaunching the Luigi Broglio Space Centre in Malindi for Earth observation missions. According to Adolfo Urso, Italy’s Industry Minister, the base will be used to launch low-orbit micro-satellites to monitor climate change impacts like desertification. Urso further revealed that the facility, operated by Italy’s space agency ASI, will also serve as a training hub for Kenyan students, scientists, and industry experts. The space center, which began operations in the 1960s, had its last launch in 1988. According to Urso, the relaunch, slated to happen in a few years, is an ambition of the Kenyan and Italian governments, with both sides discussing the expansion of their bilateral space cooperation during a recent meeting. He also revealed that the initiative aligns with Italy’s Mattei Plan, which is aimed at supporting the development of African countries.

SOURCE: BUSINESS INSIDER