The National Space
Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has taken a significant step towards
achieving its long-held dream of sending a Nigerian astronaut into space. NASRDA's
Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, announced the
signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Space Exploration and
Research Agency (SERA) of Delaware, USA.
The MOU marks the
beginning of a collaborative effort between NASRDA and SERA on the "Unity
Mission," a human space flight program aimed at promoting space
exploration and development in Africa. This partnership aligns with NASRDA's
vision as Africa's premier space agency and its commitment to the National
Space Policy and Program.
The signing of the MOU
was made possible through the support of key partners, including the Honorable
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Godfrey Nnaji, who
has shown unwavering support and leadership in advancing Nigeria's space
program. The LearnSpace Foundation also played a crucial role in facilitating
the partnership.
Established in 1999,
NASRDA has become a leading force in African space exploration, with six
successful satellite missions under its belt, including the groundbreaking
Nigeria Sat-X, built entirely by Nigerian engineers. The agency's Department of
Physical and Life Sciences, established three years ago, is instrumental in this
human space flight program.
The MOU signifies a new
chapter for NASRDA, and the agency is determined to succeed in this endeavor,
remaining Africa's leading space agency. Dr. Adepoju pledged his unwavering
support to the team and collaborators to ensure a Nigerian astronaut soars into
space through the Unity Mission.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
