Abuja: An astrophysicist, Prof. Augustine Chukwude, emphasizes that Nigeria’s goal to send a human into space should be rooted in a long-term strategic plan aligned with scientific research and national development goals.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Chukwude, who is also a space scientist, shared his insights during an interview in Abuja, highlighting the need for a solid scientific and technological foundation to support Nigeria’s space endeavors.
NAN reports that in June 2024, the Federal Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA), based in Delaware, USA, to send a Nigerian to space. Under this partnership, SERA was to reserve a seat, through an open ballot, for a Nigerian citizen on its upcoming Blue Origin New Shepard suborbital flight, fully sponsored by the agency.
Chukwude stated that while the prospect of having a Nigerian astronaut is exciting and symbolically significant, it must be backed by significant investment in space science. He noted that human spaceflight is the most advanced, costly, and scientifically demanding phase of space exploration. The astrophysicist explained that sending someone to space requires substantial financial resources, training, and infrastructure, with costs ranging from 50 to 100 billion dollars.
He further elaborated that human space missions are typically conducted by technologically advanced countries for research purposes rather than for symbolism. Chukwude outlined that true space exploration follows a structured path: starting from Earth-based observations with telescopes, progressing to unmanned satellites and space probes, and ultimately culminating in human missions.
Chukwude added that if Nigeria truly intends to send a human to orbit, it must first demonstrate substantial progress in space science and technology, such as building observatories, research centres, and promoting space education. He warned that without a clear scientific agenda or domestic capacity, participation in space travel might remain a symbolic gesture with limited developmental benefit.
He called for greater investment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, noting that any human spaceflight involving Nigeria should aim to inspire the next generation of innovators. Chukwude also acknowledged the growing role of space tourism and commercial spaceflights but maintained that Nigeria’s participation must be grounded in strategic national interest.