History
The National Space Research and Development Agency, commonly known as NASRDA, is Nigeria's premier Space agency. Established on 5th May, 1999, with a mission to advance Nigeria's Space programme, NASRDA stands as an epitome of scientific and technological progress in Africa.
Since its inception, NASRDA has been under the guidance of four substantive Directors General.
The founding Director General, Sen. (Prof.) Robert Ajayi Boroffice, laid the foundational framework for the Agency's progress. He was succeeded by Dr. Seidu Onailo Mohammed, followed by Dr. Halilu Ahmad Shaba. Currently, the Agency is led by Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, who continues to champion Nigeria's Space ambitions with a three-point agenda aimed at:
1. Encouraging global competitiveness
2. Staff Welfare
3. Private sector collaboration for sustainable Space Research.
Centres and Laboratories
NASRDA operates through several specialized centers and laboratories across Nigeria, each contributing uniquely to the agency's mission of advancing Space Science and Technology. These facilities include:
- Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy (CBSSA) - Nsukka, Enugu State
- Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics (CGG) - Toro, Bauchi State
- Centre for Satellite Technology Development (CSTD) - Abuja
- Centre for Space Transport and Propulsion (CSTP) - Epe, Lagos State
- National Centre for Remote Sensing (NCRS) - Jos, Plateau State
- Centre for Atmospheric Research (CAR) - Anyigba, Kogi State
- African Regional Center for Space Science and Technology Education in English (ARCSSTE-E) - Ile-Ife, Osun State
Additionally, NASRDA has established Advanced Space Technology Application Laboratories (ZASTAL) in various locations, including: Kashere, Gombe State, Kano State, Ndufu, Ebonyi State, Langtang, Plateau State.
Along with other advanced facilities.
Further specialized laboratories supporting advanced aeroSpace and Technology development include:
- Advanced Space Technology Application Laboratory (ASTAL) - Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
- Advanced AeroSpace Engines Laboratory (AAELab) - Oka-Akoko, Ondo State
- Advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Laboratory (AUAVL) - Uburu, Ebonyi State
- Advanced Aircraft and Engineering Laboratory (AACElab) - Gusau, Zamfara State
- Advanced Space Composite Material Laboratory (ASCOLAB) - Ilorin, Kwara State
Satellites Launched
Under the oversight of the then Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Turner Isoun, Nigeria launched a series of satellites that marked significant milestones in its Space journey. In 2003, NigeriaSat-1, the country’s first satellite, was launched.
This was followed by NigComSat-1 in 2007, enhancing telecommunications infrastructure across the nation. Although NigComSat-1 encountered technical challenges, it was successfully replaced by NigComSat-1R in 2011.
Then, in 2011, NigeriaSat-2 and NigeriaSat-X were launched and Edusat-1 was launched in 2017, advancing Nigeria's Earth observation capabilities for disaster monitoring, agriculture, and resource management.
Through these satellite missions, NASRDA has made strides in placing Nigeria on the global map of Space-faring nations, contributing to national development and resilience in areas critical to Nigeria's growth and sustainability.
Today, NASRDA remains dedicated to its mission of harnessing Space Science and Technology for the socio-economic development of Nigeria and Africa.
With the strong leadership of Dr. Mathew Adepoju at the helm of affairs, NASRDA is set to reach new heights in the years to come.
