The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), an agency under the Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) based in the United States to develop human space flight.
This move is predicated on the efforts to democratize space exploration and exploitation for all nations of the world and to raise awareness among young Nigerians about the billions of dollars being invested in the commercial development of space activities, which the country should be part of.
It also involves efforts to select and send astronauts from Nigeria into outer space which is in line with the United Nations initiative to boost “space era for mankind, reaffirming the important contribution of space science and technology in achieving sustainable development goals and increasing the well-being of states and peoples.”
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji in his remarks during the event in Abuja on Wednesday, said human space flight has been key to the objective of the National Space Policy Programme(NSPP) approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in 2001.
He said the signing of the agreement is “a testament to our rigorous efforts over the past months,” adding that it conforms with the Renewed Hope agenda of the President Bola Tinubu to invest in Nigeria’s space programme for the benefit of Nigeria.
The director general of NASRDA Dr. Matthew Adepoju in his remarks noted that the collaboration will enhance the Nigerian Space Agency, which was established in May, 1999 to drive the nations’ vision of having a Space Programme.
He said “We have a strong front in outer space exploration and exploitation, and also leading in remote sensing. Our activities in launch vehicle development can also not be matched by any country in Africa.
“The Agency has successfully launched six satellite missions since inception. All of these missions were done with our collaborators outside the country, but the contribution of our Engineers cannot be overemphasized.
Our major pride in our missions is the Nigeria sat-x, which was wholly built by our Engineers.
“Today’s event marks the commencement of our effort to achieve our dream of Human Space Flight. The Human Space Flight program is one of the cardinal objectives of National Space Policy and Programme.
It was with this in mind that we established the Department of Physical and Life Sciences about three years ago. It gladdens my heart that I was very instrumental to the establishment of this department, and by providence, he said.”
Sam Hutchison from SERA in his remarks said that Nigerians now have a great opportunity to be chosen to participate in space exploration in a democratic fashion as those from 18 years and above will be chosen irrespective of their professional background.
