Prof Seidu Mohammed, director-general (DG) of Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has announced plans are underway for the agency to develop and build a satellite by 2018.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) the agency was working on the legal framework of the Nigerian space programme to enhance space science and technology administration.
“The policy document for the actualisation of the Nigerian space programme indicates that 2011 is meant for Nigeriasat II and X, while in 2015, the training of astronauts will commence,” he said.
“The agency is expected to achieve the development and building of a made-in Nigeria satellite in 2018, while 2025 is for the development of rocketry/propulsion system.”
The DG said the spin-off of allied industries-electronics and software among others would take place by 2026, while 2028 was for large-scale commercialisation of space technology with expertise.
He said the agency would launch a Nigerian satellite from a Nigerian launchpad by 2030.
“The agency’s vision statement of the agency is to make Nigeria build indigenous competence in the development, design and building of appropriate hard and software in space technology,” Mohammed said.
“NASRDA is committed to Nigeria’s socio-economic development as well as enhancing the quality of life of the people.”
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