Nigeria Set to Launch Four New Satellites to Strengthen Space Technology
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has approved the launch of four new satellites to advance Nigeria’s efforts and enhance its space technology capabilities. Dr Matthew Adepoju, the Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), announced this development at the 8th Brigadier General Michael Agu (Rtd) annual distinguished lecture and awards ceremony, held at the Obasanjo Space Centre in Abuja. The event, themed “Nigeria’s 21 Years in Space: Achievements, Challenges, and Prospects,” highlighted and celebrated Nigeria’s progress in space technology development. Additionally, this reaffirmed Dr Adepoju’s insights shared during a recent interview with Space in Africa, highlighting NASRDA’s plans to position Nigeria as a significant player in the African and global space arena through projects such as developing new satellites.
Mission Specifications
Three of the four approved satellites will carry optical payloads. Lastly, one Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite. This initiative highlights Nigeria’s dedication to strengthening its technological infrastructure and staying competitive in the global space economy. These satellites will also enhance Nigeria’s space technology development and exploration capabilities.
Dr Adepoju noted that several Nigerian satellites have deorbited or are nearing the end of their missions, making the launch of new satellites essential to sustaining Nigeria’s position in global space development.
Private Sector Involvement in Space
Dr Adepoju outlined three key pillars of his leadership to guide the Agency: transformation, strengthening staff capacity, and private sector-driven initiatives to accelerate space development and enhance NASRDA’s global competitiveness. He further emphasised that the government cannot drive the National Space Programme independently and stressed the need for significant private-sector involvement.
“We shall open the space for active participation of the private sector in Nigeria’s space ecosystem.”
He further noted that NASRDA is engaged in programmes with China and Russia, and Nigeria is following this trend. They committed to creating active private sector participation opportunities in Nigeria’s space ecosystem.
Hurdles Along the Way
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo stated that if the sector players had properly followed the initial space program established for the Obasanjo Space Centre, Nigeria would have launched numerous satellites by now. He noted that all necessary preparations were in place for launching various satellites, and implementation had already begun.
He explained that the plan involved Nigerian and Chinese engineers collaborating on the first and second satellites, expecting only Nigerian engineers to launch the third. However, this did not materialise.”It is not enough to have good policies, and Nigeria is not in short supply of good policies. “Visit our archives; they serve as a burial ground for unexecuted policies, and as a result, we find ourselves where we should not be.”
Margaret Oguntola, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, and Dr Umar Abdullahi, National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Space Engineers, made further remarks. The two praised the efforts of Nigerian engineers and scientists, highlighting the incredible work they have been doing in past satellite projects through collaboration with international partners. They further acknowledged challenges facing the sector, which include limitations on satellite lifespan, funding constraints, inconsistencies in policy, and a lack of manufacturing capacity.
Professor Rabiu Babatunde, Research Director at NASRDA, proposed various solutions to address the sector’s challenges. He suggested replacing ageing space assets with new satellite constellations, revising strategic roadmaps, forging international partnerships, and commercialising research outputs. Additionally, he emphasised the need to develop industrial engineering capabilities, establish a space technology and innovation fund, and promote a transition towards a public-private partnership model.
The event’s highlight was the presentation of fellowships and awards to distinguished Nigerians for their significant contributions to space technology development. Among the recipients was former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who received the Grand Commander of Nigerian Space Exploration award.