Nigeria’s Satellite Launch Plan is No Longer Feasible Due to Financial Issues

The plan to launch a satellite from Nigeria in 2025, as envisioned by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), is no longer feasible. 

Nigeria’s goals included launching a Nigerian astronaut into space and deploying an indigenous satellite from Nigerian soil by 2025. 

This initiative aimed to potentially generate $20 million from each satellite launch through the development of an Assembly, Integration, and Testing Laboratory (AITL).

Halilu Shaba, the Director-General of the agency, shared this information during the ongoing 8th Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Expo, focusing on the theme “STI: Solutions to National Economic Challenges.” 

As per the agency’s 25-year roadmap, the plan was to achieve these milestones by 2025. 

Why plan to launch a satellite in 2025 no longer feasible

However, Shaba explained that launching a satellite requires significant capital investment, and the agency lacks the financial readiness to proceed. 

• “Presently, we don’t have the window to send an astronaut to space, because it is very expensive. It is when we have the slot and make plans within the five years that we can launch an astronaut,”
• “We cannot advise the government to train an astronaut now when we don’t have the slot, the person may probably get older and not fit for space by the time we get a slot,”
• “For the launch of a satellite, you don’t design a big satellite in one year, it takes up to two years. We have all the manpower, but the resources are not here yet, and I doubt if we can achieve that even in 2027,” he said.

Despite efforts to enhance capacity for future endeavors, the current financial constraints make the timeline unfeasible.

Shaba clarified that without a designated launch window and sufficient planning within the next five years, sending an astronaut to space is impractical.

Additionally, the prolonged timeframe required for satellite design and the lack of adequate resources further hinder the agency’s ability to meet the 2025 target.

While the agency has the satellite design ready, budgetary constraints pose a significant challenge.

Although Nigeria’s space industry holds considerable potential worth up to $1 billion, the current limitations prevent the agency from realizing its goals. 

NASRDA continues to operate NigeriaSat-2, which provides valuable imagery for Nigeria, Africa, and other nations globally. 

Additionally, the agency has collaborated with the military to develop a rocketry program and has made strides in geo-visualizing terrorist activities in the North East and mapping crime. 

Despite these achievements, the ambitious satellite launch plan faces practical and financial obstacles, rendering it unfeasible for the foreseeable future.