With NIGCOMSAT-1R launch, Nigeria returns to space
Nigeria, at exactly 5.40 pm, Monday, went up into the space again.This followed a successful launch into the orbit of Nigeria’s replacement communications satellite, NigComSat -1R.
NIGCOMSAT-1R is the replacement for NigComSat-1, which was de-orbited barely a year after launch, due to malfunction of Solar Array Deployment Assembly, SADA, on November 10, 2008.
Launch of the new satellite excited President Goodluck Jonathan who quickly sent a congratulatory message to Nigerians, describing the new development as another great step forward for the country towards the development of a modern, knowledge-driven society.
Jonathan said Nigeria had kept up with the time-frame of activities contained in the country’s 25-year National Space Development Road-map.
The satellite was built and hoisted by China Great Walls Industry Corporation, which in collaboration with their insurance companies, committed to build a replacement satellite for Nigeria at no additional cost.
The launch of the new satellite was on a Long March 3B, LM-3B, launch vehicle from Xichang Satellite Launch Centre located in South West China, as the spacecraft entered the predefined orbit of perigee being 200 km, apogee 41991 km and inclination 24.8.
NigComSat-1R spacecraft is built on Dong Fang Hong 4, DFH-4, satellite bus developed by China Academy of Space Technology, CAST, and launched by LM-3B launch vehicle developed by China Academy of Launch Vehicle, CALT.
While China Satellite Launch Tracking and Control General, CLTC, will be providing tracking, control and ground segment support for the programme, there are about two ground stations located in Abuja Nigeria, and Kashi, China.
NigComSat-1R is the 8th satellite built on the DFH-4 bus for in-orbit delivery and the NigComSat-1R launch is the 18th flight of LM-3B launch vehicle and the 154th flight in the series of the Long March launchers.
The project was carried out in conjunction with over 50 Nigcomsat engineers who have spent the last 31 months, training in China. The satellite has over 15 years life-span and was designed to meet the needs of telecommunications, maritime, defense, broadcast media in Africa and parts of Europe and Asia. It has 28 active transponders, and quad band of Ku, Ka, C-Band and L-Band.
Mission accomplished
Managing Director of Nigcomsat Limited, Engr. Ahmed-Rufai, was overwhelmed with joy as the satellite went into the space. He could only manage to say : “This is mission fulfilled.”
Although, just few days before the launch, Rufai had stated that the strategic plan for the new satellite, was centred on using the assets, the staff, the satellite and complementary ground infrastructures as an extraordinary vehicle to drive the National ICT revolution in pursuit of self-reliance and required skills .
He noted that it will also make for technology domestication of secured satellite bandwidth and telecommunication services for defence, security outfits and other strategic teleco-mmunications and broadcast needs of the nation.
He promised that NIGCOMSAT would seek partnership with all stakeholders to complement existing terrestrial telecommunication infrastructures to promote universal access through innovative, affordable, high speed broadband telecommunication services to enhance ICT usage, ICT skills and increase ICT development index of Nigerian citizens.
The idea was that with the index increase, there would be jobs, improvement in security and socio-economic developments of Nigeria among other benefits.
Mrs. Omobola Johnson, Minister of Communications and Technology; her Science and Technology counterpart, Prof. Okon Bassey; Senator Gilbert Nnaji, Chairman, Senate Committee on Communication; House members, Nigcomsat-1R project Director and Executive Director, Marketing, Abimbola Alale and Chief Executive of LASACO Insurance Plc, Mr. Sola Ladipo-Ajayi, all witnessed the launch.
Milestone
Johnson in her address at the launch in China, said that the launch signposts a milestone in the country’s telecommunications history and asserted that the satellite bandwidth and resources of the satellite will compliment micro wave and fibre resources used in carrying voice and data all across the country.
She said that NigComSat1R infrastructure will support up to date delivery of internet to rural and underserved areas of the country even as it will promote research and innovation in tertiary institutions. She added that NigComSat1R will support growth of the nations’ broadcast industry and enable intelligence gathering and strengthen security.
President Jonathan hails launch
He agreed that the new satellite, paid for by the insurance policy on the de-orbited NigComSat-1, will have a positive impact on national development in various sectors such as communications, internet services, health, agriculture, environmental protection and national security.
He said: “The new satellite will enhance our communications system as well as facilitate cheaper access to the internet with a view to bridging the existing digital divide between our urban and predominantly rural communities and thereby bringing government nearer to the grass roots.
“I send my sincere congratulations to you all for another great stride in our transformation efforts.”
NigComSat-1R, the President added, will also help in the development of indigenous competence in the management of satellites and related technologies in Nigeria.
He said the new satellite will substantially reduce the annual expenditure of over $1 billion arising from the use of foreign bandwidth for GSM communications, cable television, e-commerce and e-government by both public and private users in the country.
Jonathan urged investment in the new venture, saying “dear country men and women, investment in these high technology resources are part of our overall national strategy of developing an integrated, critical national infrastructure capable of fast-tracking the transformation of our national economy, generating gainful employment for our youths and creating wealth for our dear country.
“Our primary goal remains the accelerated improvement in the overall welfare or our country and people.” he added.
