Peru has launched its first space probe entirely designed and built by Peruvian scientists, an Air Force officer said on Wednesday.

The Paulet I, named after Peruvian aviation pioneer Pedro Paulet, was launched on Tuesday at 3.30 p.m. from the Peruvian Air Force (FAP) base in Punta Lobos, Pucusana, 50 km south of Peru's capital Lima, said Air Force colonel Wolfgang Dupeyrat.

The 2.72-meter long, 99 kg craft was designed and built by 20 experts from the FAP and the National Aerospace Development and Investigation Commission (Conida), who worked on the project for two years.

Dupeyrat, who is also a Conida director, told media that Peru now sought to develop its space program.

Megal Paulet, daughter of the pioneer, pushed the button that launched the rocket. She told the press she was proud that Peruvians had finally made her father's dream come true.

The probe carries equipment that will measure conditions in the upper atmosphere, including pressure, temperature and humidity, and astrophysics equipment.

Source: Xinhua