Libya is aiming to launch its first national satellite for climate and desertification monitoring

Libya is set to discuss the launch of its first national satellite dedicated to climate monitoring and the fight against desertification, a strategic initiative that could reshape the North African country’s role in the space and environmental sectors. The project, led by the Libyan Scientific Research Council under the guidance of its Director-General, Faisal Abd al-Azim al-Abdali, represents a significant step towards developing autonomous technological capabilities and establishing a national Earth observation system.

The Libyan satellite project stems from a strategic vision aimed at developing national capabilities in the field of space technology, with a specific focus on environmental and climate monitoring. The initiative forms part of a broader context of international scientific cooperation, as evidenced by previous agreements between the Libyan Scientific Research Council and European institutions, including the University of Granada in Spain. The proposed satellite is conceived as a strategic research project with national significance, designed to provide up-to-date data for monitoring climate change, observing environmental phenomena and supporting programmes to combat desertification. The Libyan Scientific Research Council already has experience in space projects, having collaborated in 2023 with the General Authority for Communications and Informatics on the development of a Libyan CubeSat. In parallel with the satellite project, the Libyan Scientific Research Council has approved the creation of an integrated cloud platform for higher education and scientific research, based on Microsoft 365. This initiative aims to support digital transformation in the academic sector, improving collaboration between educational and research institutions, optimising knowledge management and increasing institutional efficiency. The cloud platform is a key element in modernising the technological infrastructure of Libya’s scientific sector, providing advanced digital tools to support researchers and educational institutions in data management and scientific communication.

An analysis of the Libyan Scientific Research Council’s previous agreements and collaborations reveals a network of international partnerships that could influence the choice of suppliers for the satellite project. Libya has shown significant interest in cooperating with European institutions. An agreement is in place with the University of Granada in Spain. Meanwhile, the Libyan Scientific Research Council has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Italian Institute of Welding, indicating a strong Italian presence in scientific collaborations. Recently, contacts have been established with French institutions to open up new avenues for cooperation in the field of scientific research. Finally, participation in programmes such as Horizon Europe demonstrates Libya’s integration into European research networks. Despite this evidence, potential partnerships with China and Russia cannot be ruled out, given these countries’ previous interests in the African space sector. However, the Libyan media do not currently report any direct collaborations with these countries on the Libyan satellite project.

The Libyan satellite project takes on particular significance in the geopolitical context of the Mediterranean and North Africa. The ability to monitor climate change and desertification via satellite provides Libya with strategic tools for natural resource management and spatial planning. The choice of international suppliers and partners for this project could reflect Libya’s geopolitical preferences and influence relations with the countries involved. The presence of established European partnerships suggests a possible preference for Western technologies and partners, at least in the initial phase of the project. The success of the Libyan satellite project will depend on several critical factors, including the ability to maintain international partnerships, the availability of adequate financial resources and the development of national technical expertise. The Libyan Scientific Research Council has demonstrated a clear strategic vision, but the practical implementation of the project will require sustained commitment over time and the ability to coordinate the various technical and scientific components effectively. The project also represents an opportunity for Libya to establish its presence in the African space sector and to contribute to the fight against climate change at a regional level.