NASRDA Centres

Centre for Basic Space Science

This is a key to the prosperity of the nation and is crucial to any country’s significant economic and social development. Without a sound educational and research base in the field of basic space science, there cannot be any expectation of practical benefits for the country’s citizens. The goal of the Centre for Basic Space Science, therefore, is to pursue capacity building (manpower and infrastructure development) that can address the development needs of the country. [ top ]

National Centre for Remote Sensing (NCRS)

Remote sensing is technology developed to obtain primary data about objects on the surface of the earth observed from the altitude of space. The information obtained through this process is used for the assessment and management of natural resources as well as the environment. For the near term, the plan is to develop the permanent site of the NCRS in Jos as well as to build a national earth observation ground receiving station. The latter will be accomplished through partnerships between Nigerian scientists and selected foreign partners. Training will also be conducted to ensure that Nigerians will be able to run the NCRS and its associated programs themselves. For the longer term, the intense training and education will be utilised towards Nigeria building its own earth observation and communication satellites by the year 2003. [ top ]

Satellite Technology Development Centre

The Satellite Technology Development Centre shall be the primary focus for the development of satellite payloads for both geostationary and non-geostationary satellites. In particular, the centre shall collaborate with Surrey Satellite Limited in the fabrication and launching of Nigeria’s first orbital satellite, NIGERSAT-1. Thereafter it will seek collaboration with other specialized agencies, institutions and companies in capacity building and development of advanced satellite systems for both remote sensing applications and communications. [ top ]

Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics

Geodesy and Geodynamics form an integral part of the national participation in international cooperative programmes and projects related to space science. The goal of the Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics is to achieve Nigeria’s capability, manpower and hardware development towards sufficiently addressing several important national issues. These include surveying and mapping, remote sensing for mineral exploitation, coastal deformation and subsidence, as well as floods and global mean sea level monitoring. The Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics will be located at Toro, Bauchi State. The choice of Toro is predicated on the solid geological bedrock upon which the town is located. This can serve as an immobile belt on which sensitive tracking systems and other equipment can be situated. In addition, a Global Mean Sea Level Coordination Centre will be established in Bori, Rivers State with monitoring sites in Bonny, Brass, and Forcados. This centre will be responsible for the monitoring of coastal deformations, subsidence, flood and global mean sea level along Nigeria’s coastal regions. [ top ]

Centre for Space Transport and Propulsion

The Centre for Space Transport and Propulsion will lead the way towards the development of locally built rocketry to literally and figuratively drive Nigeria’s space program. As the Giant of Africa and the leader of the black world, it is imperative that Nigeria take the initiative in the all important task of developing and acquiring a capability in rocket technology. The objectives of the Centre for Space Transport and Propulsion will be threefold. First, to develop and acquire the technology to manufacture the necessary components for rockets. Second, to develop various types of fuels for rocket propulsion. Finally, to develop the technological capability to launch rockets for both military and civil applications. [ top ]

Centre for Space Science and Technology Education (CESSTE)

The Centre for Space Science and Technology Education (CESSTE) will serve to enhance the skills of those already knowledgeable in subjects relevant to space science. CESSTE will serve towards the development of skills and knowledge for university educators, research scientists and other personnel in four principal focus areas – remote sensing and geographic information systems, satellite communication and global positioning systems, meteorological satellite applications, and basic space and atmospheric sciences technology. These highly capable Nigerians will then develop curricula and other materials towards training others and building up an expansive talent pool of Nigerians skilled in space science and technology [ top ]