Barring
any unforeseen circumstances, the federal government is to start
the training of local astronauts for space travel by 2015.
any unforeseen circumstances, the federal government is to start
the training of local astronauts for space travel by 2015.
Minister
of Science and Technology, Professor Ita Ewa, Monday announced the government’s
intention to train astronauts for space travel while giving a report of the
achievements of his ministry in the past two years, at a press conference in
Abuja.
of Science and Technology, Professor Ita Ewa, Monday announced the government’s
intention to train astronauts for space travel while giving a report of the
achievements of his ministry in the past two years, at a press conference in
Abuja.
Ewa who
said the ministry was waiting for President Goodluck Jonathan to approve the
training programme, added that the country would also
collaborate with the Chinese government for the development of a space
rocket.
said the ministry was waiting for President Goodluck Jonathan to approve the
training programme, added that the country would also
collaborate with the Chinese government for the development of a space
rocket.
Already,
the minister said a launch site with a 20-kilometre launch capability had been
set up in Epe, Lagos State, adding that 12 engineers from the National Space
Research and Development Agency (NARSDA) are in China for training.
the minister said a launch site with a 20-kilometre launch capability had been
set up in Epe, Lagos State, adding that 12 engineers from the National Space
Research and Development Agency (NARSDA) are in China for training.
Speaking
on the benefits to Nigeria from an improved space programme, the minister
explained that once the president has approved the programme, the country
would start preparing the launch of two more communication satellites.
on the benefits to Nigeria from an improved space programme, the minister
explained that once the president has approved the programme, the country
would start preparing the launch of two more communication satellites.
According
to him, the socio-economic benefits of such deployment of satellites include;
security surveillance, flood management, environmental surveillance for pest
and diseases infested areas, desertification and pollution, especially oil spillage
in the Niger Delta.
to him, the socio-economic benefits of such deployment of satellites include;
security surveillance, flood management, environmental surveillance for pest
and diseases infested areas, desertification and pollution, especially oil spillage
in the Niger Delta.
Source; Thisday
