Tucked in the suburbs of Nigeria’s capital lies the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), a beacon of innovation leading the country’s ambitious journey into space. While NASRDA has been pivotal in modernising Nigeria’s space program, the nation’s interest in harnessing space technology predates the agency’s establishment.
This enduring aspiration reflects Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging outer space for national development.
Nigeria’s First Steps into Space
Nigeria’s voyage into space research dates back to the 1970s, with an early focus on using space technology to drive progress in disaster management, telecommunications, and resource management.
At an ECOWAS conference in 1976, Nigeria first announced its ambition for space exploration, signing up with the United Nations Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. The 1980s continued with Nigeria engaging with international partners in the development of frameworks for applying space science and technology. But the country didn’t establish a space agency until 23 years later.
The National Space Research and Development Agency, or NASRDA, set up in 1999, became the national institution to advance Nigeria’s space ambitions and foster national development. The agency would be responsible for, among others, developing space research and deploying satellites.
In 2003, in conjunction with Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) in the UK, it launched NigeriaSat-1, Nigeria’s first orbit satellite, which became part of the international Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC).
“Launching NigeriaSat-1 was a monumental achievement for us,” says Amina Mohammed, a senior satellite systems engineer at NASRDA. “It wasn’t just having a satellite in orbit, but also about showing the world that indeed Nigeria was serious about space technology.”
According to experts, the satellite was essential in monitoring environmental changes and managing disasters.
The agency has commissioned more satellites in the years since then, amid technical setbacks. of NigeriaSat-1, NASRDA went on with the development and launch of more satellites.
In 2011, it launched NigeriaSat-2 and NigeriaSat-X, the latter of which was fully designed and built by Nigerian engineers who were previously trained by SSTL.
“These satellites are not just achievements in technology,” Mohammed explains. “They are enablers, which allow us to address food security, urban planning and disaster management. The information they provide impacts daily life in Nigeria.”
For all its glorious visions, NASRDA has been crimped by inadequate funding and brain drain, with many skilled engineers and scientists seeking opportunities abroad. “Space exploration is resource-intensive as a lot of money is needed to actualize the dream,” Mohammed acknowledges.
“But we’ve managed to achieve a lot through strategic partnerships with countries like China and the UK and by prioritizing the training of local talent.”
For years Nigeria has depended on Chinese and Russian rockets to launch its satellites into orbit. In October 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved the launch of four satellites to revive the country’s capabilities for space technology.
“This is the turning point for us, taking full control of our program to reduce dependence on foreign launch services,” notes Mohammed. Similarly, NASRDA addresses new applications related to space technology like agriculture, health, and renewable energy underpinned by the broader agency aspiration: deploying space science to advance socio-economic development.
Why Space Technology Matters
Space scientists indicate that satellite technology can offer insights into nagging national crises such as flooding and desertification, including the expansion of cities. “Space technology isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity,” Amina adds. “It helps us make informed decisions, respond to emergencies and plan for the future.”
NASRDA can be seen to represent the future, with its mission to reposition Nigeria in the global space realm. “The journey has just begun,” says Mohammed. “With every launch of the satellite and every capability developed, we are building a legacy that would benefit future generations of Nigerians.”
The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in Nigeria is leading the country's exploration and utilization of space technology, aiming to foster national development. Nigeria's interest in space began in the 1970s, focusing on disaster management and telecommunications. NASRDA was established in 1999 and launched its first satellite, NigeriaSat-1, in 2003 as part of the international Disaster Monitoring Constellation. Since then, Nigeria has launched several more satellites, including NigeriaSat-2 and NigeriaSat-X, the latter developed by locally trained engineers.
Despite challenges such as inadequate funding and brain drain, NASRDA has formed strategic partnerships and prioritized local talent development to advance its space agenda. Nigeria relies on foreign launch services but aims to reduce this dependence, highlighted by the planned launch of four new satellites approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024. The agency's work in satellite technology supports vital national priorities like food security, urban planning, and disaster management, with aspirations to enhance socio-economic development through space science.
NASRDA's continued endeavors in space technology are symbolic of Nigeria's future ambitions, aiming to tackle national crises such as flooding and urban expansion. The agency represents a step towards making informed decisions and planning for the future, contributing a lasting legacy for future generations of Nigerians.
