Nigeria is set to launch two new communication satellites into space.
This was disclosed by the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat).
The two new satellites, NigComSat-2 and NigComSat-3 are set to be launched by 2023 and 2025 respectively. Both satellites will replace NigComSat 1R expected to expire in 2026, VON reports.
The Managing Director, NigComSat, Dr. Abimbola Alale disclosed this at the 2021 edition of the NIGCOMSAT Stakeholders Forum in Lagos.
“l am pleased to inform stakeholders of our desire to acquire more satellites between now and 2025 with the NigComSat-2 (Hight Throughput Satellite) due for launch in 2023 while NigComSat-3 will be launched in 2025.
“This will not only inspire confidence in our customers and channel partners; but will also place NIGCOMSAT Ltd in the front line of communication satellite operators with fleet of satellites in the orbit.”
Further, Alale disclosed that the NigComSat-2 project is still in its preliminary phase; adding that only the Request for Proposals (RFP) has been sent out.
NigComSat-2, a High throughput satellite (HTS) with a total throughput of 300 Gbps, will be launched as a public-private partnership (PPP). The satellite will also include triband spacecraft – C band for Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) systems to provide the most vital telecommunication link between a satellite and ground station; Ka-band; and Ku-band.
The orbital slot for the NigComSat-2 will either be 9.5 degrees west or 16 degrees west; based on the orbital filling with International Telecommunications Union (ITU).
Meanwhile, Alale added that the communication satellite will have several applications spanning direct-to-home (DTH) broadcasting service; telemedicine, Tele-education, broadband services and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. She highlighted NIGCOMSAT recent activities, including actions taken to reposition the company for better service delivery; training of 600 youth in 12 states of the federation on VSAT and TVRO installations skills.
“Satellite communication is a technology associated with rapid changes; hence, NIGCOMAT continues to build capacity that matches global trends and requirements.”
She acknowledged the strategic vision of Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy; towards building a digital Nigeria and repositioning the Departments and Agencies under his supervision, to be among the major contributors to the nation’s economy.
