Nigeria to launch four new satellites to boost space technology

FILE PHOTO: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying a payload of 53 Starlink satellites lifts off from Launch Complex 39A

FILE PHOTO: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying a payload of 53 Starlink satellites lifts off from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S. May 18, 2022. REUTERS/Steve Nesius/File Photo

Source: REUTERS

Nigeria will launch four new satellites in the coming days as part of efforts to strengthen its space technology capabilities.

Approved by the president, Bola Tinubu, three of the four approved satellites will carry optical payloads while the fourth, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite will replace the Cintetic Reader satellite currently in orbit.

This was announced by Dr Matthew Adepoju, Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) during the 8^th Brigadier General Michael Agu (Rtd) annual distinguished lecture and awards ceremony.

The West African country has in recent years made strides in space technology development.

Dr. Adepoju says the move is necessary as some existing satellites are nearing the end of their missions.

Wonder Hagan