The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has disclosed that it is looking to enhance bilateral relations with partners in satellite technology development.
The director-general of the agency, Dr. Matthew Adepoju made this declaration during a meeting with a delegation from the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) at the NASRDA Headquarters in Abuja.
Adepoju acknowledged the importance of the collaboration with AIR/CAS, emphasising the Chinese government’s commitment to Nigeria by granting NASRDA access to Chinese satellite data and constructing a remote sensing ground station at the agency.
Highlighting the partnership between NASRDA and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, particularly the CropWatch project, Adepoju expressed gratitude for the infrastructural support provided by the team from AIR/CAS. He assured them of the Agency’s commitment to ensure the security and staffing of the proposed remote sensing ground station.
The director-general expressed excitement about the partnership and its potential to expedite Satellite development processes. In a presentation, the technical director of the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR), Xuxiang Feng announced plans to acquire and transport a 12-millimeter antenna to Nigeria and invest in antenna infrastructure. Additionally, the institute will cover long-term operating costs of the ground station and authorise the use and distribution of three Chinese satellite data over Nigeria.
Ninma Yacim, of the agency’s media and corporate communications, highlighted Feng’s assurance of AIR’s full dedication to the successful establishment of the proposed remote sensing ground station and future collaborative projects with NASRDA.
