# Nigeria set to launch additional satellites

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2023/04/nigeria-set-to-launch-additional-satellites/
- Published: 2023-04-03T07:59:57+01:00
- Author: Ekene Lionel

Nigeria is poised to take a major step in its security and defense capabilities 
with the launch of additional military satellites. This development will help to
enhance the country’s security posture, allowing for greater surveillance and monitoring
of potential threats. The satellites will be able to provide Nigeria with detailed
images of its land, seas, and airspace, which will aid in the detection of potential
security risks. Additionally, the satellites will be able to detect and track the
movement of military vessels, aircraft, and other vehicles, allowing for better 
coordination between military forces.

The Chief of Defence Space Administration, Air Vice Marshall Ayo Jolasinmi, says
Nigeria will soon launch Satellites II and III into space, during a visit to the
Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (retd.), in Abuja, Jolasinmi stated
that the orbit was working perfectly and that his service would need the support
of the ministry to service its frequency.

A statement by the Special Assistant to the Minister on Media and Publicity, Mohammad
Abdulkadri on Friday read, “The Chief of the Defence Space Administration thanked
the minister for approving his appointment and ensuring the timely release of intervention
funds which he said was cushioning the effects of the minimal budgetary allocation.

“Jolasinmi said the DSA was better positioned to use Space products with the launch
of the first satellite while satellites two and three will be launched soon.

The launch of these satellites will also help to improve communications and coordination
between military forces. By providing a secure, reliable link between locations,
military personnel will be able to receive and share important information in a 
timely manner. This will improve the effectiveness of their operations and allow
for better decision-making in the face of potential threats. Additionally, the satellites
will provide a platform for improved communication between ground forces and the
Nigerian government, allowing for better coordination of security-related operations.

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Furthermore, the satellites will assist in the identification of potential threats
by providing real-time information to Nigerian security forces. The satellites will
be able to detect suspicious activities and alert the appropriate personnel, allowing
for a swift response to potential threats. Additionally, the satellites will be 
able to provide images of suspected terrorist camps or hideouts, allowing for more
effective counter-terrorism operations.

The launch of these satellites will also help to enhance the Nigerian government’s
ability to monitor and respond to natural disasters. The satellites will be able
to detect and monitor changes in the environment, alerting the appropriate authorities
of any potential threats. This will allow for better preparedness and response to
natural disasters, ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.

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Finally, the launch of additional military satellites will help to improve Nigeria’s
overall security. By providing real-time monitoring and intelligence, the satellites
will enable the Nigerian government to respond swiftly to potential threats, while
simultaneously enhancing the country’s ability to protect its citizens. With these
satellites in place, Nigeria will be able to stand firm against the threat of terrorism
and other forms of violence, ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.

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This January, the [Federal Government of Nigeria inaugurated an integrated satellite called DELSAT-1 ](https://www.military.africa/2023/01/nigerias-first-military-satellite-delsat-1-to-counter-threats-to-national-security/)
to enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian armed forces against insecurity.

This will assist in realising the nation’s sectoral strategies that respond to identified
threats to Nigeria’s national interests, such as the National Defense Policy, National
Counter Terrorism Strategy and the National Policy on Public Safety and Security.

China’s 18-story Long March 3B rocket likely launched DELSAT-1 into space from the
Xichang launch base in Sichuan province in southwestern China.

[Nigeria’s space ambitions began as early as 2002](https://www.military.africa/2016/06/nigerias-space-program-ambitions-and-dreams/)
when the Assistant General Director of Training and Capacity Building at NASRDA 
made a presentation paper setting out a 28-year roadmap for the research, developing
and launching of satellites from Nigeria by 2030.

A few months after the Nigerian Vice-president Professor Yemi Osinbajo signed the
Defense Space Administration Bill into law on February 18, 2017, previously passed
by the National Assembly, the Nigerian Military [commissioned the Defence Space Administration](https://www.military.africa/2017/11/nigerian-military-commissions-new-defence-space-administration-and-cyber-operations-complex/)
Office Complex and the Foundation Laying of Defence [Cyber Operations Centre](https://www.military.africa/2018/09/nigerian-army-cyber-warfare-command/),
at Obasanjo Space Centre, Abuja.

In 2018, the Nigerian Space Research and Development Agency (NASDRA) – the agency
in charge of coordinating all Nigerian space activities claims that its constellation
of satellites could be the hub for out-of-space monitoring and tracking of aviation
globally. The agency believes that it has the [capability to locate any airborne plane within and outside Nigeria.](https://www.military.africa/2018/05/nigerian-satellites/)

Recent development includes Nigeria and India signing a Memorandum of Understanding(
MoU) to cooperate in the exploration of outer space for peaceful purposes.

Both countries agreed to sign a supplemental MoU on partnership in use of geospatial
technology between the New Space India Limited (NSIL) under ISRO and the Nigeria
Erosion and Watershed Development and Connectivity.

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