Nigeria is to launch into orbit, two satellites from Russia on July 7, Dr Seidu Mohammed, the Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), said in Abuja on Thursday.
Addressing journalists, Mohammed said the earth observation satellites, NigeriaSat-2 and NigeriaSat-X, would be launched at 8 am Nigerian time.
“We are once more on the path to greasing the wheels of our success story, as the stage is now set for the launch of our third and fourth satellites codenamed NigeriaSat-2 and NigeriaSat-X,” he said.
He said that the satellites would be launched simultaneously using the Dnepr launch vehicle which has successfully launched more than 55 satellites into the orbit, adding that the exercise would be broadcast live.
“The two spacecraft and their launch vehicles have been adequately insured in line with the global practice, and all is now set for the launch,’’ he said.
He said that the exercise was a further demonstration of government desire towards improving the lives of citizens through space technology and called for the support of all Nigerians towards the realisation of the agency’s goal.
“A step in the development of space science and technology is indeed a giant stride towards improving the socio-economic life of our dear nation,’’ he said.
Mohammed explained that contract for the project was awarded in 2006, at 34 million Pounds Sterling, with 18 per cent of the total cost for its insurance.
He also stated that the African Union had indicated its willingness to have a single space agency because of the strategic role of space technology to the development of the region.
Earlier, Felix Ale, NASRDA Public Relations Officer, said the future of any country depended largely on how best the numerous window of opportunities and benefits of space science and technology, could be utilised for socio-economic well-being.
He also solicited media support in sensitizing the public on space programmes.
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