By Fatima Saka
Principal Scientific officer of National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Mr brahim Lazarus, has stated that agency has begun the process of creating made-in-Nigeria satellite.
Mr Lazarus in an exclusive interview with NatureNews over the weekend, said the target for the launch of the satellite is by 2030.
While speaking on the commemoration of the International Moon day 2022, he said, “By 2030 NASRDA will launch made-in-Nigeria satellites. It will be launched on Nigerian soil because we have an activity center in Epe, Lagos, which is closer to the water body.
“Going by the roadmap, by 2030 which is in seven years time, Nigeria can boast its launch of satellites and also welcome any country that wants to launch satellites,” he added.
The Principal Scientific officer also revealed that two of NASRDA’s satellites (Sat-2 & Sat-x) are still performing optimally in orbit.
Speaking on lunar program, he said that it is to address at least ten out of the sustainable development goals, by putting an end to poverty, zero tolerance to hunger, ensuring good health and well-being of the citizens, ensuring quality education, affordable and clean energy Industry, innovation and infrastructure.
Giving the significance of the correlation of 20th July and Lunar quarter of the year, he said that It is to celebrate the day, man first walked on the moon and to remember how far man has explored space program.
He also explained that man was sent to the moon as a result of political influence, in relation to what the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and humanity are to achieve.
Also, Mr. Egbuim Timothy, Planetary Space Scientist, Centre for Basic Space Science (NASRDA), also added that the Nigerian government has exploited space through the launch and use of different satellites in the area of communication and earth observation satellites.
“Alongside, Nigerian scientists in NASRDA and other agencies have exploited the use of space satellites and applications to the benefit of Nigerians.
“Satellites are produced for various purposes, as for those related to space exploration, NASRDA has many of its scientists working in collaboration with foreign agencies for its development and usage,” he stated.
Every July 20th, the world marks the invention of satellites where Apollo 11 embarked from the Kennedy Space Center and conveyed astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, and Michael Collins to the moon.
Since the astronauts made it to their destination to the moon, after that event, it has been in the history that is recognized annually as International Moon Day.
The 2022 official theme is “Lunar Exploration Coordination and Sustainability”.
In commemoration of 2022 the moon Day there will be a display of social correlation in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Guatemala, India, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.