In a historic event yesterday (Friday), the Canary Islands have made their first step into space exploration with the successful launch of their inaugural satellite, ALISIO-1, aboard a SpaceX rocket.
At approximately 6:19pm local time in the Canary Islands, ALISIO-1 embarked on its journey to Earth's orbit from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, USA. The launch proceeded seamlessly, with no reported difficulties or unfavourable weather conditions.
ALISIO-1, belonging to the Canary Islands Astrophysics Institute, shared the cosmic ride with an impressive payload of 25 other satellites. Notable companions on this trip included a satellite from South Korea and another from Europe named EIRSAT-1.
Witnessing this historic moment were the President of the Canary Islands Government, Fernando Clavijo, and the President of the Tenerife Cabildo, Rosa Dávila. They joined the live transmission from the Las Mantecas Technological Park. Also in attendance were the Director of the Astrophysics Institute of the Canary Islands, Rafael Rebolo, and the IACTEC-Space team, the primary coordinators of the space program.
ALISIO-1's mission is nothing short of groundbreaking as it will play a pivotal role in monitoring wildfires, crop desertification, floods, fuel spills in oceans, and any other impacts related to climate change.
The successful launch marks a significant leap forward for the Canary Islands in space exploration and highlights their commitment to contributing to global efforts in understanding and addressing environmental challenges from above.
