NASRDA says Nigeria could generate $20 million from the launch of one satellite if it develops its Assembly, Integration and Testing Laboratory, AITL.
One of the crucial elements of a satellite program success is the assembly integration and testing phase.
Specialized test facilities are needed to simulate operating space environmental conditions and the rigors of launch. This laboratory will come with equipment to carry out a wide range of tests (vacuum chambers, pressure, structural, mechanical and electrical test etc.).
Nigeria has a 25 year Space Policy Roadmap. Part of the content of the roadmap includes launching satellites into orbit from Nigerian soil. A very ambitious proposition given the fact that only a hand few countries have the capacity to independently launch payload into orbit.
