Thirteen years after the successful launch of the Nigeria’s communications satellite, NIGCOMSAT-1R, into orbit, the federal government, through the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited, has set plans in motion to replace the satellite as it nears the end of its operational lifespan.
NIGCOMSAT-1R, which was launched as a replacement satellite in 2011, is set for termination and replacement in 2026, after a 15-year operation.
NIGCOMSAT Limited, which owns and operates Nigeria’s communications satellite systems, is reportedly seeking investors to collaborate on the replacement of the satellite.
The original contract for the in-orbit delivery of the NIGCOMSAT-1R satellite was signed on March 24, 2009 by the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) and the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.
Successfully launched on December 19, 2011, NIGCOMSAT-1R was a replacement for the failed NIGCOMSAT-1 which was launched on May 13, 2007.
The aim was for the satellite to be used for communications, including broadcasting, internet services, health, agriculture, environmental protection and national security.
It is not clear how successful this aim has been over the past 13 of the 15 years of the satellite’s lifespan. Nevertheless Nigeria now plans to launch NIGCOMSAT 2 and 3 and a call for expression of interest has been published in the Global Satellite Operators’ Association newsletter.
NIGCOMSAT is currently focusing on upgrades and recently announced a partnership with South African IT services company, Dimension Data. The partnership will see NIGCOMSAT provide internet services via its NIGCOMSAT-1R network platform to Dimension Data for an initial period of one year.
Two Years To End-Of-Life, FG Shops For Investors To Replace Nigeria’s Satellite In Orbit
Thirteen years after the successful launch of the Nigeria’s communications satellite, NIGCOMSAT-1R, into orbit, the federal government, through the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited, has set plans in motion to replace the satellite as it nears the end of its operational lifespan.
NIGCOMSAT-1R, which was launched as a replacement satellite in 2011, is set for termination and replacement in 2026, after a 15-year operation.
NIGCOMSAT Limited, which owns and operates Nigeria’s communications satellite systems, is reportedly seeking investors to collaborate on the replacement of the satellite.
The original contract for the in-orbit delivery of the NIGCOMSAT-1R satellite was signed on March 24, 2009 by the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) and the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.
Successfully launched on December 19, 2011, NIGCOMSAT-1R was a replacement for the failed NIGCOMSAT-1 which was launched on May 13, 2007.
The aim was for the satellite to be used for communications, including broadcasting, internet services, health, agriculture, environmental protection and national security.
It is not clear how successful this aim has been over the past 13 of the 15 years of the satellite’s lifespan. Nevertheless Nigeria now plans to launch NIGCOMSAT 2 and 3 and a call for expression of interest has been published in the Global Satellite Operators’ Association newsletter.
NIGCOMSAT is currently focusing on upgrades and recently announced a partnership with South African IT services company, Dimension Data. The partnership will see NIGCOMSAT provide internet services via its NIGCOMSAT-1R network platform to Dimension Data for an initial period of one year.
