The Nigerian government and the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) of the United States of America have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on human space flight missions aimed at fostering the development of critical technologies and infrastructure.
The agreement which was signed in Abuja on Wednesday between Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and SERA, will also see a Nigerian land in space for the first time.
The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, explained that the partnership is important to transforming Nigeria’s space programme emphasising that the partnership is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to advancing its capabilities in space exploration, adding that the public-private partnership (PPP) with SERA would inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers.
“The National Space Policy and Program (NSPP) approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in 2001 identifies human space flight as one of its three pillars according to the 25-year Road map approved in 2005 for the implementation of the National Space Policy and Programme (NSPP), our first human space flight was scheduled for 2018. This means we are six years behind schedule”
Also, the Director General of NASRDA, Mathew Adepoju, said SERA’s expertise and the agency’s dedication would yield remarkable milestones in human space exploration within the continent and beyond.
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He disclosed that the Agency has successfully launched six satellite missions since inception with the collaboration of international partners.
He said, this collaboration, which is coming to the country, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s 25th anniversary of the space exploration journey and opens new opportunities for scientific research and technological advancement.” He said.
The Co-Founder of the Space Exploration and Research Agency, (SERA) Joshua Skurla said that Nigeria is a country that is endowed with brilliant scientists that have interest in exploring the space economy and with this collaboration, SERA is ready to give Nigerians the opportunity to go to space.
He further said that the Agency is a private Organization that was founded to build a global community dedicated to space exploration and research.
“Until now, space has been an exclusive domain, with over 80% of all astronauts to date coming from just three countries,” Skurla said.
“Nigeria has a rich history of scientific and technological innovation, and we are honoured to partner with NASRDA to extend this legacy into space and create new opportunities for Nigerian space explorers.”
