The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is one of the Research Institutions under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology. The Agency was established in May 5, 1999 with a broad objective to pursue the development and application of space science and technology for the socio-economic benefits of the nation.
The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is the national space agency of Nigeria. It is a parastatal under Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology. The agency is based in the Nigerian capital city of Abuja in the Lugbe district and has a ground receiving station, among various other sites. In the past, it has cooperated in space technology with the United Kingdom,[2] China, Ukraine and Russia.[3] The agency has struggled with meeting its financial plans and some of its facilities are rundown. Despite this, the space agency is one of the most advanced space agencies in Africa, boasting of four satellites and very grand ambitions. Nigeria’s satellites have been praised for their high-resolution images.[4] NASRDA is host to one of UN-SPIDER’s Regional Support Offices (RSO) in Africa.
History
NASRDA was established on 5 May 1999, after a preparation period since in 1998 by Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo and the Nigerian government with a primary objective of establishing a “fundamental policy for the development of space science and technology” with an initial budget of $93 million.
In May 2006, the new extended national space program was adopted.[6] NASRDA has launched four satellites of its own, the first one in 2003 and the last one in 2009.
Scope
The initial scope of the Nigerian Space Programme (NSP) to be implemented by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) should include:
- The study of basic space science in order to lay the foundation for deriving maximum benefits from the nation’s participation in the space enterprise; For the attainment of space capabilities, Nigeria’s efforts should focus on research and rigorous education, engineering development, design and manufacture, particularly in the areas of instrumentation, rocketry and small satellites as well as in satellite data acquisition, processing, analysis and management of related software; The establishment of a national earth observation station for remote sensing and satellite meteorology data acquisition. The provision of efficient, reliable and adequate telecommunications services in Nigeria in order to enhance the growth of the industrial, commercial and administrative sectors of the economy. The focus areas of the Nigerian Space Programme (NSP) include:
- Basic Space Science and Technology to provide the understanding of how the universe works and what its impact is on the world. This will enable us to lay the foundation for deriving maximum benefits from the nation’s participation in the space enterprise.
- Remote Sensing to help Nigerians understand and manage our environment and natural resources using space-acquired information. This technology will enable us to better understand our land, air and water resources and their associated problems.
- Satellite Meteorology to study atmospheric and weather sciences using satellite data to facilitate the effective management of our environment.
- Communication and Information Technology to provide efficient and reliable telecommunications services for Nigeria in order to enhance the growth of the industrial, commercial and administrative sectors of the economy.
- Defence and Security to help the Federal Government shall develop a necessary Space Science Technology (SST) programme that will address the national needs of Nigeria. For this purpose the government shall establish a Defence Space Command in the Ministry of Defence. The Command shall comprise representatives of the defence, intelligence, security and law enforcement services and report through the Ministry of Defence.
Source: Wikipedia
For more info, visit www.nasrda.gov.ng
