Space Program

Space Agencies

• National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA; established in 1999), evolved from earlier initiatives like the National Centre for Remote Sensing and the National Committee on Space Applications.
• Defense Space Administration (DSA; established in 2014).

Space Program Overview

• Nigeria's space program, among Africa's largest, is geared towards deploying satellites for various applications - agriculture, environmental monitoring, meteorology, mining, disaster management, socio-economic development, and security.
• The program involves designing, building (often with international assistance), and operating satellites.
• Focuses on processing and analyzing overhead imagery data.
• Developing capabilities in satellite and payload production, including remote sensing technologies.
• Ambitious goals include researching rockets and propulsion systems, aiming to launch domestically produced satellites from a Nigerian spaceport by 2030.
• Active international collaboration with space agencies and industries from countries like Algeria, Bangladesh, Belarus, China, Ghana, Japan, Kenya, Mongolia, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, the UK, the US, and Vietnam.
• Possesses a government-owned satellite company and a burgeoning commercial aerospace sector.

Nigeria's space program reflects its commitment to using space technology for national development and security. Its focus on satellite technology and international cooperation positions it as a significant player in the African space arena.