Nigerian to join space mission in historic partnership

In a groundbreaking development, a Nigerian will embark on first space mission, as Space Exploration & Research Agency (SERA) partners the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).

This collaboration will see a Nigerian secure a seat on an upcoming Blue Origin New Shepard suborbital spaceflight.

The Nigerian space mission is part of a broader effort by SERA, in collaboration with Jeff Bezos-owned Blue Origin, to send individuals from countries that have been historically underrepresented in space exploration.

In 2022, this initiative successfully sent Brazilian civil engineer Victor Hespanha to space.

“Until now, space has been an exclusive domain, with over 80% of all astronauts to date coming from just three countries.

Nigeria has a rich history of scientific and technological innovation, and we are honored to partner with NASRDA to extend this legacy into space and create new opportunities for Nigerian space explorers,” said Joshua Skurla, Co-Founder of SERA.

Impact on Nigeria’s Space Program and Global Presence

This milestone marks a significant boost for Nigeria’s space exploration program, which has seen steady progress over the past two decades.

Since the approval of the National Space Policy (NSP) in 2000 and the establishment of NASRDA, Nigeria has launched six satellites, with Nigeria Sat-1 being the first in 2003.

The country’s ambition to send its first astronaut to space by 2030 now seems more tangible than ever.

“We are delighted to see this partnership come to fruition. Human space flight is not just a random aspiration of our country,” said Uche Godfrey Nnaji, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Boost to Science, Technology, and Innovation

Dr. Matthew Adepoju, Director General/Chief Executive of NASRDA, hailed the partnership as “a testament to Nigeria’s growing prominence in the global space community.”

This opportunity is expected to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators in Nigeria, fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and technological advancement.

By securing a place in this suborbital flight, Nigeria not only underscores its commitment to space exploration but also paves the way for significant advancements in its science and technology sectors.

The program, open to all Nigerians aged 18 and above, is likely to ignite interest and participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields among the youth, driving further innovation and development.

Strengthening International Collaboration

This partnership with SERA and Blue Origin positions Nigeria as a key player in the international space community.

It highlights the importance of global collaboration in advancing space exploration and demonstrates Nigeria’s capability and readiness to contribute to and benefit from these international efforts.

In conclusion, this historic space mission is more than just a journey to the stars; it symbolizes Nigeria’s ascent in the realm of space exploration and its commitment to fostering scientific and technological excellence.

As the nation eagerly anticipates this landmark event, the broader impact on education, innovation, and international collaboration is expected to resonate for years to come.