Nigeria and the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) from Delaware, USA, have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to send the first Nigerian to space. This historic agreement marks a monumental step in Nigeria’s space exploration ambitions and highlights the collaborative efforts between the two nations.
Major Aspiration of Nigeria
Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, emphasized the importance of this agreement during the MoU signing ceremony held in Abuja yesterday. He stated that human spaceflight is not merely a random aspiration but a major objective of the Nigeria Space Policy and Programme, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in 2001.
“Human spaceflight is not just a random aspiration of our country but a major objective of the Nigeria Space Policy and Programme which was approved by the Federal Executive Council, FEC, in 2001,” said Chief Nnaji.
He further elaborated that reviving and implementing all abandoned national plans is a cardinal point of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This partnership with SERA provides a tangible way of achieving Nigeria’s long-time aspiration as a nation.
“Reviving and implementing all abandoned national plans is a cardinal point of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Tinubu. This partnership provides a way of achieving our long-time aspiration as a nation,” he added.
Timeline for Spaceflight
The minister mentioned that the slot for sending a Nigerian to space could be available from now until December or in 2025, as SERA would still be test-running the platform. This flexibility in the timeline allows for thorough preparation and ensures that all necessary protocols are followed to guarantee a successful mission.
“The slot could be available from now till December, or in 2025, as SERA would still be test-running the platform,” he said.
Fully Sponsored Mission
Dr. Matthew Adepoju, the Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), highlighted that the cost of sending a Nigerian to space had been fully sponsored by SERA. This sponsorship is a significant milestone as it marks the commencement of NASRDA’s efforts to implement part of its roadmap for human spaceflight.
“The cost of sending a Nigerian to space had been fully sponsored by SERA, adding that the event marked the commencement of the agency’s efforts to implement part of its roadmap of having a human spaceflight,” said Dr. Adepoju.
He also noted that this event is worth celebrating, especially as Nigeria marks the 25th anniversary of its space programme. The Human Spaceflight programme is one of the cardinal objectives of the National Space Policy and Programme.
“The Human Spaceflight programme is one of the cardinal objectives of National Space Policy and Programme,” he said.
Establishment of the Department of Physical and Life Sciences
Dr. Adepoju explained that with the human spaceflight objective in mind, NASRDA established the Department of Physical and Life Sciences about three years ago. This department was created to forge the mandate of human space exploration and to ensure that Nigeria remains at the forefront of space research and development.
“It was with this in mind that we established the Department of Physical and Life Sciences about three years ago to forge this mandate,” he said.
He also mentioned that this collaboration with SERA is part of Nigeria’s deep space explorations. The partnership is expected to yield numerous spinoffs and open up various opportunities for Nigerians in the field of space exploration.
“This is also coming as one of our deep space explorations because there are many spinoffs that will come from the collaboration and opportunities opened for Nigerians,” he added.
Global Astronaut Representation
Mr. Joshua Skurla, Co-Founder of SERA, pointed out that 80% of astronauts globally have exclusively emanated from three countries. This statistic underscores the importance of diversifying the pool of astronauts and providing opportunities for individuals from other nations, including Nigeria.
“80% of astronauts, globally, had exclusively emanated from three countries,” said Mr. Skurla.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s rich history of scientific and technological innovation and expressed SERA’s excitement to partner with NASRDA. This partnership aims to extend Nigeria’s legacy into space and create new opportunities for Nigerian space explorers.
“Nigeria had a rich history of scientific, technological innovation, adding that SERA was excited to partner with NASRDA to extend the legacy into space and create new opportunities for Nigerian space explorers,” he said.
Open Application Process
Mr. Sam Hutchison, Founder of SERA, announced that the application to be in space is open to any Nigerian older than 18 years, regardless of their discipline. This inclusive approach ensures that all Nigerians have an equal opportunity to participate in this historic mission.
“The application to be in space was open to any Nigerian older than 18 years, in spite of their discipline,” said Mr. Hutchison.
He explained that the Nigerian people would choose the citizen to go to space through a democratic process. The application process will be open to anyone over 18 years, and there are no other qualifications required. Applicants will be able to sign up and encourage others to vote for them. The Nigerian people will select four potential astronaut candidates before a final selection process.
“The Nigerian people will choose the citizen to go to space, the process of application will be open to anybody who is over 18 years, and there are no other qualifications required. You will be able to sign up and then encourage others to vote for you; as part of democratic process, the Nigerian people will select four potential astronaut candidates before a final selection process,” he explained.
Conclusion
The signing of the MoU between Nigeria and SERA marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s space exploration journey. This partnership not only aligns with the objectives of the Nigeria Space Policy and Programme but also provides a platform for achieving the nation’s long-time aspiration of human spaceflight. With the support of SERA, Nigeria is poised to make history by sending its first citizen to space, opening up new opportunities for scientific and technological advancements.
The collaboration between NASRDA and SERA is expected to yield numerous benefits, including the development of new technologies, the creation of job opportunities, and the enhancement of Nigeria’s reputation in the global space community. As Nigeria celebrates the 25th anniversary of its space programme, this partnership serves as a testament to the nation’s commitment to innovation and progress in the field of space exploration.
In summary, the MoU between Nigeria and SERA represents a significant step forward in Nigeria’s space exploration efforts. The fully sponsored mission, the establishment of the Department of Physical and Life Sciences, and the open application process for selecting the astronaut candidates all contribute to the realization of Nigeria’s human spaceflight aspirations. This historic agreement not only strengthens the relationship between Nigeria and SERA but also paves the way for future collaborations and advancements in space exploration.
