# NigeriaSat 1

> Nigerian Earth observing satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q96757068](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q96757068)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nigeriasat-1

## Summary
NigeriaSat-1 is a Nigerian Earth observation satellite launched on September 27, 2003, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. It was developed by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. and operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, providing remote sensing capabilities for Nigeria.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: September 27, 2003, at 06:11:44 UTC
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-3M
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit
- **Mass**: 100 kg (launch weight)
- **Manufacturer**: Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: SSTL-100
- **Country of Origin**: Nigeria
- **COSPAR ID**: 2003-042C
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2003-042C
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 27941

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of NigeriaSat-1?
A: NigeriaSat-1 was designed for Earth observation, providing remote sensing data for Nigeria's environmental, agricultural, and disaster monitoring needs.

### Q: Who built NigeriaSat-1?
A: NigeriaSat-1 was built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL), a British satellite manufacturer.

### Q: What type of orbit does NigeriaSat-1 use?
A: NigeriaSat-1 operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, which allows it to pass over the same point on Earth at the same local solar time each day.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for NigeriaSat-1?
A: NigeriaSat-1 was launched aboard a Kosmos-3M rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia.

### Q: How heavy was NigeriaSat-1 at launch?
A: NigeriaSat-1 had a launch mass of 100 kg.

## Why It Matters
NigeriaSat-1 marked Nigeria's first foray into space-based Earth observation, providing critical data for environmental monitoring, agriculture, and disaster management. As a small satellite developed by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., it demonstrated Nigeria's growing capabilities in space technology. The satellite's sun-synchronous orbit ensured consistent imaging conditions, enhancing its utility for remote sensing applications. While its operational lifespan is not specified, NigeriaSat-1 laid the groundwork for future Nigerian satellites, contributing to the country's space program and scientific research.

## Notable For
- **First Nigerian Earth Observation Satellite**: NigeriaSat-1 was Nigeria's first dedicated Earth observation satellite.
- **SSTL Collaboration**: Built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., a leading small satellite manufacturer.
- **Sun-Synchronous Orbit**: Operated in a sun-synchronous orbit for consistent imaging.
- **Kosmos-3M Launch**: Launched aboard a Kosmos-3M rocket, a Russian orbital launch vehicle.
- **Remote Sensing Capabilities**: Provided data for environmental, agricultural, and disaster monitoring.

## Body
### Overview
NigeriaSat-1 is an Earth observation satellite developed by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) for Nigeria. Launched on September 27, 2003, it was Nigeria's first dedicated Earth observation satellite, providing remote sensing data for environmental, agricultural, and disaster monitoring.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 100 kg (launch weight)
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit
- **Spacecraft Bus**: SSTL-100
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-3M
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132, Russia

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Date**: September 27, 2003, at 06:11:44 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Kosmos-3M, a Russian orbital launch vehicle
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 132

### Mission and Applications
- **Primary Mission**: Earth observation and remote sensing
- **Applications**: Environmental monitoring, agriculture, disaster management
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit for consistent imaging conditions

### Identification and Tracking
- **COSPAR ID**: 2003-042C
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2003-042C
- **SCN (Satellite Catalog Number)**: 27941

### Historical Context
- **First Nigerian Earth Observation Satellite**: NigeriaSat-1 was a significant milestone for Nigeria's space program.
- **SSTL Collaboration**: Built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., a British satellite manufacturer.

### References and Further Reading
- [Skyrocket Satellite Database](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/nigeriasat-1.htm)
- [Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q27941)

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/nigeriasat-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report