Nigeria’s Federal Government has forged a partnership with the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) in Delaware, USA, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at jointly undertaking missions focused on human space travel. An important ceremony took place on June 21, 2024, in the nation’s capital, Abuja, where the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and SERA signed a memorandum of understanding. This marks the beginning of a partnership to enhance capabilities for human space travel.
As part of this partnership, efforts will be made to advance crucial technologies and Infrastructure needed for human missions to celestial bodies beyond the planet. Additionally, a Nigerian astronaut will have the opportunity to travel into space. Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, oversaw the official signing ceremony, highlighting the significance of this collaboration for the growth of Nigeria’s space initiatives. During his speech, the Minister emphasized how this partnership has the power to bring about significant change, showcasing Nigeria’s dedication to improving its abilities in the field of space exploration.
The partnership was hailed as a historic moment for NASRDA and Nigeria.
He believes that collaborating with SERA in a public-private partnership will not only speed up the country’s technological progress but also ignite a fresh wave of interest in science and engineering among young people. Mr. Nnaji highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating that it aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and signifies a major advancement in Nigeria’s goal to establish itself as a prominent figure in global space exploration. His comments emphasized the potential for enhanced collaboration across a range of space-related endeavours under the agreement.
Also, this includes joint efforts by both NASRDA and SERA in areas such as mission coordination, astronaut education, and the establishment of vital space infrastructure to support long-term human inhabitation beyond Earth. The partnership was hailed as a historic moment for both NASRDA and Nigeria by Dr. Mathew Adepoju, the Director General, who showed great excitement and enthusiasm towards it. He stated that the combination of SERA’s skills and the agency’s commitment would lead to significant achievements in space exploration for both the continent and the rest of the world.
Gov’t’s initiative aims to increase participation in space exploration.
As part of a joint effort between SERA and Blue Origin, a Nigerian citizen will have the opportunity to board an upcoming suborbital spaceflight on the Blue Origin New Shepard spacecraft. This initiative, led by SERA, aims to increase participation in space exploration by offering seats to six individuals from countries with limited representation in the field. Traditionally, space exploration has been limited to a select few countries, with the majority of astronauts originating from only three specific nations.
Furthermore, Nigeria boasts a strong legacy of scientific and technological advancements, and they are delighted to collaborate with NASRDA to expand this tradition into the realm of space exploration, opening up fresh prospects for Nigerian space pioneers, stated Joshua Skurla, Co-Founder of SERA. Anne Agi spoke passionately about the importance of collaboration in achieving shared goals and emphasized the positive impact this partnership will have on Nigeria’s Education system. The efforts of Learnspace Foundation were instrumental in making this collaboration a reality and ensuring Nigeria’s participation in this significant mission. Agi highlighted the potential for space to ignite the imaginations of upcoming generations.
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Learnspace views this objective as a guiding light for Nigerian youth, demonstrating that extraordinary accomplishments can be achieved through international cooperation, even in difficult circumstances. They are excited to have contributed to this innovative collaboration and urge Nigerians to get involved. SERA’s mission is to democratize space exploration and research, allowing universal access for individuals to engage in the advancement of the Offworld economy. In the upcoming months, SERA plans to introduce a platform that will empower members to submit, organize, finance, and carry out their personal space endeavours. SERA is sending six individuals into space on the next New Shepard flight, with the possibility of some being the first astronauts from their country.