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| The Climate Camera (ClimCam) payload launch |
The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) has confirmed the successful launch of its Climate Camera (ClimCam) payload to the International Space Station (ISS).
In a statement issued on Saturday, April 11, KSA said the AI-powered payload was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL commercial resupply mission (NG-24).
The liftoff took place at 1:41 PM East African Time from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
“The ClimCam is among several payloads and other supplies to the ISS aboard the Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL commercial resupply mission (NG-24). The liftoff aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket took place… at 1.41 pm East African Time,” read part of the statement.
KSA confirmed that the Cygnus XL spacecraft successfully separated from the rocket shortly after launch and is currently en route to the ISS.
It is expected to rendezvous and dock with the station on the morning of Monday, April 13, 2026, as part of its scheduled resupply mission.
“The Cygnus XL NG-24 spacecraft successfully separated from the Falcon 9 rocket… and is now expected to rendezvous with the ISS… when it will dock onto the ISS for the resupply mission,” KSA added.
The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) announces the successful launch of the Climate Camera (ClimCam) payload, destined for the International Space Station (ISS). The liftoff took place today, Saturday, 11 April 2026, at 1:41 p.m. East African Time aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from… pic.twitter.com/aki0NE8X9t
— Kenya Space Agency (@SpaceAgencyKE) April 11, 2026
ClimCam is the result of a collaborative effort between the Kenya Space Agency, the Egyptian Space Agency, and the Uganda National Space Programme.
Its development involved assembly, integration, and testing in Cairo, followed by advanced validation at Airbus facilities in Houston, Texas.
Equipped with artificial intelligence capabilities, the payload is designed to provide near real-time weather and climate data to support environmental monitoring, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience efforts across Eastern Africa.
“This successful launch marks a major step forward in strengthening Africa’s presence in the global space ecosystem,” KSA stated.
At the same time, it added that it reaffirms Kenya’s commitment to leveraging space technology for sustainable development and regional cooperation.
The mission comes three years after Kenya launched its first operational Earth observation satellite, Taifa-1, in April 2023.
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