NEWTOWN, Conn. - Nigeria has gradually developed space technologies under the NigeriaSat program. Initially, Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) as part of the Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC) built satellites. As part of the contract to build NigeriaSat-2, SSTL also trained 25 Nigerian engineers to build satellites. Those engineers also built NigeriaSat-X, which launched alongside NigeriaSat-2 in 2011.
Nigeria is now planning to build its own remote sensing satellite. The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) will head the new satellite, which will include a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload. The agency plans to complete the satellite by 2018.
Dr. Seidu Onailo Mohammed, director-general of NASRDA, said that space research activities will form an important part of national industrial and technological development strategies. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan reaffirmed Abuja's desire to develop space technologies. The NigeriaSat program is a major part of Nigeria's space development plans.
Nigeria is projected to purchase new satellites to continue progress on technology development. New satellites will be produced every six to seven years to replace satellites in orbit. Nigeria will continue to use the NigeriaSat program to develop its own manufacturing and scientific capabilities in the future.
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