Space experts, enthusiasts advocate space demystification
By Ijeoma Olorunfemi
Space experts and enthusiasts have advocated for the demystification of space concept among citizens to harness its potential.
The experts made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the ongoing 3rd International Space Ungana conference with theme “Advancing the African Space Agenda: Space Research and Innovation”.
Space (Ungana a Swahili word) means gathering of experts and enthusiasts.
The event was meant to discuss space exploration and development in Africa.
Dr Matthew Adepoju, Director-General, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), urged indigenous designs of space systems that would raise the standard of African countries in space exploration.
Represented by Dr Olatunbosun Yusuf, Director, Engineering and Space Systems, Adepoju said that with capacity development and better collaborations, Africa could gain better traction in space development.
Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited, said the agency’s SpaceTech Innovation and Accelerator programme provided training and funding space-driven startups.
According to her, the training will enable the participants address challenges with the help of satellite technology, Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things.
She said that simplifying space technology would enable the citizens understand its concept and benefits.
“We must also demystify space for the public, ensuring every African understands its value, and sees a place for themselves within it.
“Africa must be space-ready, not just space-aware. That readiness will be measured not only by how many satellites we launch but by how many scientists, engineers and citizens we empower,” she said.
Dr Claire Nelson, Chief Ideation Leader, Future Forum advocated change of mindset among African nations and leveraging of space technology for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).
Nelson said that space technology had lots of potential to unify and foster development, especially in areas such as mapping, telemedicine and digital financial services.
“Everything we do on earth comes from space, our GPS, telemedicine, communications, we live on our phones and money now moves by the phones.
“If we don’t have data and communications, those things go away.
“We ought to stop assuming that we can’t build things ourselves, especially when you consider that so many of Africans brains are in Europe, in the US, Canada and are being utilised to do good for those countries.
“I believe that we could start with what we have and it begins with a mindset of believing in ourselves and start with what we have and stop waiting for donor agencies,” she said.
Dr Olugbenga Olumodimu, an associate professor of Space Science, University of Portsmouth, UK, urged Nigeria to simplify issues relating to space technology and make it appealing to children and youths.
“For space science technology education to be appreciated we need to demystify the whole concept of space in a nation like ours.
“We need to have outreach teams that go to some of the schools and try to explain to young kids what space is all about.
“If we demystify space for the average Nigerian it becomes easier to see the possibilities and opportunities,” he said.
The conference started with the commemoration of International Moon Day of July 19. (NAN)
Edited by Uche Anunne
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- Agriculture and Environment Desk Controller/Website Content Manager.
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