Argentina reaches space with European partners
Argentina successfully launched an observation satellite on 21 November in a project which includes participation from the space agencies of Italy, France, Denmark and Brazil as well as the USA's NASA. The launch of the satellite, SAC-C, from Vandenberg, California, USA will help in gathering information which could assist in helping to formulate environmental policies in the country. Collating information on deforestation, pollution in coastal waters, carrying out experiments on water content in the atmosphere and detecting the productivity of agricultural fields are all on its agenda. The satellite also intends to provide new information on the migratory route of the 'franca austral' whale. The satellite was developed by Argentina's national commission for space activities (CONAE) and will be controlled by a space centre in Cordoba, Argentina, from where the images and information it gathers will be sent to all users.