In search of a satellite destiny

In 1999, the Federal Government of Nigeria approved the Nigerian Space Policy and the implementation of the space program, as outlined in the policy, commenced with the establishment of a National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology. The mission of NASRDA is to vigorously pursue the attainment of space capabilities and the enhancement of the quality of life of its people. The space policy has a 25-year programme tailored towards the development of Space Science and Technology in Nigeria through research and development (R&D), as well as capacity-building in the fields of science, engineering, space law and administration for sustainable national development. The policy has both short- and long-term space mission programs. The implementation of the programs focusses on the achievement of the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) and other regional and national socio-economic development objectives as highlighted by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and National Economic Empowerment & Development Strategies (NEEDS).

Nigeria intends to vigorously pursue the attainment of space capabilities as an essential tool for its socio-economic development and the enhancement of the quality of life of its people. The Nation shall achieve this through research, rigorous education, engineering development, design and manufacture of appropriate hardware and software in space technology, including transport and payloads, such as satellite, telescopes and antennas for scientific research and applications. The Government shall also foster Bi-lateral and international cooperation in all aspects of Space Science and Technology to ensure that Nigerian Scientists and Engineers benefit from global developments in the space enterprise.

The overall agenda of the Nigeria’s space agenda is geared towards sustainable national development and security including the development of new resources, understanding of our environment and the maintenance of national security. The National Geospatial Data Infrastructure [NGDI] coordinated by [NASRDA], will facilitate efficient production, management, dissemination and use of geospatial information for the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Nigeria launched its first satellite, NigeriaSat 1, into orbit in September 2003, after Nigerian experts underwent training in London. The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) also embarked on the next generations of satellites under which Africa’s first communication satellite called NigcomSat-1 was launched and a high resolution African Resources Management Constellation (ARMC) satellite, NigeriaSat-2 is expected to be launched soon.

The country is currently working with the Chinese government for the launch of new communication satellite including NigcomSat-1R (designed to replace the loss of NigcomSat-1 last year) and NigcomSat-2 and NigcomSat-3 as back-up satellites for NigcomSat-1R. To be managed by Nigcomsat Limited, the satellites ate all designed to contribute to providing an adequate telecommunications system throughout Nigeria and regional coverage to ECOWAS countries as well as footprint for all of Africa.

 

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