Nigeria postpones satellite launch

Nigeria postpones satellite launch

Nigeria has postponed the launch of its two satellites scheduled for July 7, due to logistics and technical reasons, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRIDA) announced on Tuesday.

The agency’s spokesman, Mr Felix Ale, disclosed this in an interview with reporters in Abuja.

He stressed that the delay was a common phenomenon in satellite businesses, adding that Nigeria like all other space-faring nations, had had similar experience of this nature.

Clarifying the issue, he said: “The delay is not from our end, it is due to logistics and technical reasons on the part of our launcher, because this is a critical stage of the whole exercise.

“We are in a critical stage when it comes to launch side. They want to do everything humanly possible to ensure that all issues are adequately addressed to ensure a successful launch.

“So, if there is a need for them to delay the launch, we cannot query them. I believe that it is in our own interest towards the successful launch of the satellites and I can assure you that before the end of the month, the satellite would be launched,’’ Ale said.

He explained that the delay would also affect the launch of other satellites, owned by other countries, which were to be launched alongside NigeriaSat-2 and NigeriaSat-X.

Ale gave the assurance that the agency was committed to working with its technical partners for the successful launch of the satellites. He did not give a specific date for the launch.

The Director-General of NASRDA, Dr Seidu Mohammed, had earlier announced that both satellites would be launched on July 7, at 8 am local time.

NAN/Williams