The missing link in Nigeria’s space technology

The Centre for Satellite Technology Development under the National Space Research Development Agency (NASRDA) said Nigeria could launch own satellite from its ground in about 15 years time.Dr Spencer Onu, the Director of the centre said in an interview after this year’s Space Week in Abuja “Nigeria is already in the process of developing its […]

The Centre for Satellite Technology Development under the National Space Research Development Agency (NASRDA) said Nigeria could launch own satellite from its ground in about 15 years time.
Dr Spencer Onu, the Director of the centre said in an interview after this year’s Space Week in Abuja “Nigeria is already in the process of developing its own satellite which would be launched in the country by 2030.”
Dr Onu said the components needed for the development of the satellite sub-systems are presently being developed and would be off in next 15 years.
The Centre would continue to bring best brains and other stakeholders together to identify the missing link in the exploration of space technology in the country to make the launch a reality, he said.
He said: “The CSTC week since we started it four years ago has been addressing some specific issues. This year we are addressing the missing link in application of space technology. Space technology still has some missing links in this country.
“We don’t want to claim 100 percent knowledge of all those missing links. We want the users and stakeholders to come and have what we want to discuss. There are other areas of application which we need but not delivering at the moment because of certain constraints.”
A key missing link, Onu explained is the lack of space education in the country’s academic curricula which may hamper the dream of launching the satellite.
“Only Nigerian university has aerospace engineering, their programme has been approved by the Council but they have not started.
“Kogi State Polytechnic also had its own approved, but the department is yet to take off. So this is the missing link.”
He said. He however added that the Centre is doing its best to bridge the gap
Onu advised the new administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to look into the Assembly Integration and Testing centre (AIT) as their priority in the space sector development. The establishment of AIT, he added will create huge employment.
“For a government that is serious about employment generation, this is an easy way out. Space application in area of telemedicine will create hundreds of jobs for the country.
“If the AIT is completed and become fully operational, if the telemedicine project must be revived and maintained so that it can make the necessary impact in the area of health.
He attributed the delay in the completion of some of the centre’s satellite sub-system to dwindling revenue to the centre.
“At the mid last year NASDRA submitted the review of the space programme to the government on areas where assistance is needed.
He said: “The little funding that we received is being put into utmost use. Satellites are in subsystems. We may not be able to build a whole satellite in a year because of the funding, but we may be able to build the subsystems or part of the subsystem.
“Gradually we are getting the subsystem ready so that as soon as enough fund is committed to it you can now assemble them, testing them integrating them.”