Nigeria's National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has announced that the procurement process for six new satellites has reached 95% completion. This development brings the country closer to signing final contracts for the manufacture and deployment of the satellites. The project, valued at $2 billion, aims to modernize Nigeria's space infrastructure and replace ageing satellite assets. The project was approved by President Bola Tinubu's administration.
The planned satellite constellation will comprise six full-sized satellites designed for communication and Earth-observation purposes. Three optical Earth-observation satellites with sub-metre high-resolution imaging capabilities will be part of the fleet. Another satellite will utilize Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, with one-metre and sub-metre resolution and the ability to capture images during both day and night. The remaining two satellites, designated NigComSat-2A and NigComSat-2B, will provide communication services.
The project will involve several international aerospace companies, including Thales Alenia Space of France and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which are partnering to deliver the communication satellites. China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) is also part of the consortium. NASRDA expects the technical facilities required for the programme to be completed and commissioned within 18 months after the final contracts are signed.
The new satellite infrastructure is expected to support Nigeria's broader economic and development objectives, including the government's ambition to build a $1 trillion economy. The Earth-observation and radar capabilities will strengthen security by providing high-resolution and day-and-night imagery for monitoring criminal activities, securing borders, and improving maritime surveillance.
The satellites will also provide data for precision agriculture, supporting efforts to improve crop yields and strengthen food security. This will enable farmers to make informed decisions and optimize their agricultural practices. The infrastructure is expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria's agricultural sector.
Furthermore, the satellite infrastructure will support regulatory activities in Nigeria's space sector, including spectrum management and monitoring of licensed domestic space activities. This will help to ensure that the country's space sector is properly regulated and that the use of satellite technology is optimized.
According to NASRDA Director-General, Prof. Matthew Adepoju, the project will help to modernize Nigeria's space infrastructure and replace ageing satellite assets. The project is expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria's economic and development objectives.
Key points
- The project aims to modernize Nigeria's space infrastructure and replace ageing satellite assets.
- The satellite infrastructure will support Nigeria's broader economic and development objectives, including the government's ambition to build a $1 trillion economy.
- The project will involve several international aerospace companies, including Thales Alenia Space of France and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
