SPACE EDUCATION AND CAPACITY BUILDING IN NIGERIA

Paper number

IAC-09.E1.2.12

Author

Mr. Etim Offiong

Year

2009

Abstract

On 27th September, 2003, Nigeria joined the club of nations involved in space activities, with the launch of her Earth Observation satellite, tagged NigeriaSat-1. This was followed with another launch, on 13th May, 2007, of a communications satellite, tagged NigComSat-1. NigComSat-1 is presently out of orbit, but there are plans for a replacement by 2010.
These investments in space technology will fizzle away if there is no adequate knowledge base to monitor the satellites, interpret and apply data from the satellites, and keep in touch with newer technologies and applications.
It is to this end that the Centre for Space Science and Technology Education, an activity centre of the national space agency, was set up. It is saddled with the responsibility of human capacity building in applications of space science and technology for sustainable development. Also, the centre undertakes education outreach with objectives of creating awareness as to the benefits space science and technology, popularizing space science and technology, educate and promote the teaching of science of schools, for both nursery/primary and secondary schools.
This paper aims to showcase the activities of the centre since her inception. It highlights where other African countries can either participate in or replicate in their countries. Shown in poster format and with some statistics, it answers the question “Can Nigeria launch her first home-made satellite from her own launch-pad by 2025”?

Abstract document

IAC-09.E1.2.12.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-09.E1.2.12.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.