Nigeria’s quest for space exploration and indigenous rocketry capacity received a major boost today as the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) through its Centre for Space Transport and Propulsion (CSTP), Epe, Lagos State, successfully launched a test flight rocket at the lagoon, marking a groundbreaking stride in the country’s rocketry programme.
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‎The launch, which demonstrated Nigeria’s growing capacity in solid propellant rocket technology, was hailed as a defining moment by the Director of CSTP, Engr. (Dr.) Olusegun Sholiyi.
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‎He attributed the success of the mission to the tireless efforts and visionary leadership of the Director General and Chief Executive of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, whose commitment and dedication have been pivotal to the Agency’s milestones.
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‎The test flight rocket codenamed CSTP-R5/25, was designed, built, and launched entirely by CSTP engineers as part of a broader roadmap towards developing a main rocket that can be launched from the sea.
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‎ According to Dr. Sholiyi, the coded system enables ignition of the rocket from anywhere in the world, a breakthrough that underscores Nigeria’s technological dexterity in space science and technology.
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‎Highlighting the innovation behind the mission, Dr. Sholiyi disclosed that CSTP engineers also built a customized boat to serve as the launch pad for the solid propellant rocket motor, ensuring a smooth and hitch-free operation.
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‎With the success of this maiden lagoon launch, preparations are already underway to design, build, and deploy a larger rocket with the required components for a full-scale launch from the Atlantic Ocean.
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‎This, he said, would bring Nigeria closer to attaining its full potential in rocketry and space technology development.
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‎The launch which was monitored live by the top management staff of the Agency at the Director General’s conference room was received with applauds and excitement.
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‎First to react was the Director, Mission Planning and Satellite Data Management, Dr. Abayomi Alaga who described the launch as very successful feat, saying it will go a long way in redefining the Nigerian space programme.
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‎Also speaking, the Director, Media and Corporate Communications, Dr. Felix Ale said, the successful launch was not only exciting but, marks yet another historic milestone in the Agency.
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‎Other Directors who spoke, took turns to appreciate the NASRDA Boss for his consistent support and commitment to excellence while lauding the efforts of the Director, CSTP and his team towards excellence in this strategic area of the Space sector.
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‎The highpoint of the mission was the historic ignition of the test flight rocket by NASRDA’s Director General, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, who remotely triggered the launch from the United States of America using the registered code provided by CSTP.
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‎The achievement reinforces NASRDA’s position as a driving force for innovation, national pride, and technological advancement in Nigeria’s journey toward global competitiveness in space science.
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‎‎Below are pictures from the mission:
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‎Written by: Daniel Abdullahi
‎Editor: Joy Opaluwa
‎Media and Corporate Communications