The Space Exploration & Research Agency and NASRDA have signed a partnership agreement to execute an exploration project that will send the first Nigerian citizen into space.
Nigeria is gearing up for its first human space flight, a groundbreaking moment for the African continent, announced by Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of the Federal Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology (FMIST).
The announcement came during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) in Abuja.
Chief Nnaji hailed the occasion as momentous, coinciding with NASRDAs 25th anniversary, describing human space flight as a pivotal goal of Nigeria’s Space Programme, initially slated for 2018, which places Nigeria six years behind schedule.
He expressed confidence that the partnership with SERA would rectify past delays, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda. The Minister commended NASRDAs Director General and team, viewing the collaboration as a testament to the Presidents foresight in appointing capable leadership.
Highlighting the role of Dr Ann Agi from Learn Space Foundation in facilitating the partnership, Chief Nnaji emphasised the involvement of the private sector as pivotal in achieving national aspirations and bolstering international reputation.
Esuabana Asanye, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, reflected on history, recalling discussions between former US President John F. Kennedy and Nigerian Head of State Alhaji Tafawa Balewa in the 1960s about sending American and Nigerian astronauts to space, a dream curtailed by their untimely assassinations. She lauded the NASRDA-SERA collaboration for resurrecting this aspiration, urging both agencies to maintain their commendable efforts as Nigeria anticipates its first astronaut.
Dr Matthew Adepoju, Director General of NASRDA, expressed gratitude to the Minister for his unwavering support, underscoring NASRDAs status as Africas premier space agency. He underscored the collaborations significance in initiating Nigerias journey towards human space flight, a cornerstone of the National Space Policy and Programme. Dr Adepoju praised SERA for facilitating collaboration, noting their mission to democratise space exploration globally.
Sam Hutchinson, Co-founder of SERA, outlined the Human Space Flight Programmes broader mission to enable six astronauts from nations new to space exploration, emphasising SERAs commitment to democratising space. He announced that Nigeria, recognised for its keen interest and talent in space exploration, would select its astronaut through a democratic process overseen by SERA.
Joshua Skurla, another Co-founder of SERA, hailed the event as a milestone for Africa, pledging SERAs full commitment to sending Nigerias first astronaut to space. Victor Hespenia, SERAs first astronaut, shared his belief in the transformative potential of space travel for Nigerian youth, encouraging STEM education to nurture future space pioneers.
The partnership marks Nigerias success in space science and technology, with the Human Space Flight Programme incurring no cost to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
