The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) from Nigeria has successfully launched a satellite into space; making it the first university in Nigeria to accomplish such a feat.
FUTA was part of the Birds 1 satellites project that saw 5 CubeSats; nano-satellites weighing about 2kg launched in space. The satellites were originally scheduled to be deployed into space from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA. However, due to bad weather, the launch had to be postponed to June 3rd.
The Space X Falcon 9 Rocket fired off on June 3rd deploying the Birds 1 satellites to space. The mission carried 5 CubeSats, one of which belonged to Nigeria’s FUTA.
Dubbed the NigeriaEdusat-1, the satellite was designed and built through a partnership between the Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and Kyushu Institute of Technology in Japan.
The NigeriaEdusat-1 will be used for research and environmental management with the aim of promoting the sustainable socio-economic development of Nigeria. Prof. Joseph Fuwape, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, said the launch of the satellite by FUTA demonstrates the capacities of the country’s scientists. The Professor went further to say the deployment of the satellite marks the beginning of the country’s endeavors to become a leader in cutting edge research and innovations.
