The Senegalese Agency for Space Studies (ASES) laid the foundation stone for the Astronomical Observatory of Senegal (OAS) in Khombole, in the Thiès region, this Thursday. This infrastructure will be built on a two-hectare site allocated by Mayor Maguèye Boye. The OAS will house a large 600 mm telescope and several 300 mm C14 telescopes, all fully controllable remotely from anywhere in the world. This site will serve as a high-level research center, a scientific training institute in astronomy and astrophysics, a space for outreach and innovation, and a catalyst for local and national development.

The Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic, Mary Teuw Niane, who presided over the ceremony, declared that the laying of the foundation stone of the OAS is a historic moment for our country: "This day marks a crucial step in our country's march towards space exploration. It is a true illustration of the prescient proclamation of the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, on April 6, 2025, during the launch of the SPACEBUS 2025 caravan."

For Mr. Niane, space is one of the essential drivers of sustainable development. According to him, several studies clearly demonstrate that countries that invested early in the space sector have achieved sustainable development goals more effectively and more quickly.

He added that ASES and its partners are making a positive contribution to addressing the challenges of sustainable development. Mary Teuw Niane believes that the establishment of the OAS will promote and popularize mathematics, science, and technology. He therefore encourages students to be bold and explore the countless career opportunities offered by mathematics, science, technology, and digital fields. Because, he says, it is by acquiring these skills that they will be the builders and architects of our country's economic sovereignty and the prosperity of its people.

The chief of staff also believes that the OAS will encourage our researchers to cultivate an interest in mathematics, science, and technology among young people. For Mr. Niane, Africa's development depends first and foremost on a collective effort to accumulate and apply scientific, technological, and technical knowledge.

For astronomer Maram Kaïré, Director General of ASES, the laying of the foundation stone of the OAS is a dream come true. "Today, Senegal is writing one of the most beautiful pages of its modern history. We are not just laying a stone, we are raising a symbol, a promise, a dream long nurtured by faith, perseverance, and a love of science. Under this West African sky, we are laying the foundation stone of Senegal's very first astronomical observatory and the largest in the entire sub-region," the Senegalese astronomer rejoiced.

Mr. Kaïré announced that Senegal is beginning construction of an infrastructure project to promote progress and development. He believes that through this infrastructure, science will become an engine of progress in Senegal, a source of revenue, and a source of national pride.

"This observatory will open the doors to the major fields of astronomical research: planetary and solar system astronomy, the study of variable stars and exoplanets, galactic and extragalactic astronomy, atmospheric sciences and site photometry, and finally educational and citizen astronomy," he said.

Maram Kaïré added that the observatory will be a school of the future and a legacy for the continent: "The OAS is not simply a scientific center. It is a school of the future, a place where science meets poetry, where technology nourishes faith in humanity. Young Senegalese and Africans will learn to code, to observe, to innovate. Teachers will find a tool to teach differently. Researchers will see a partner in building bridges between continents."