# NigeriaSat-X

> Nigerian Earth observation and training satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q14083898](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14083898)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nigeriasat-x

## Summary
NigeriaSat-X is a Nigerian Earth observation and training satellite launched on August 17, 2011. It is operated by Nigeria's National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and was designed to provide orbital data while serving as a technical training platform for Nigerian engineers.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** August 17, 2011 (07:12:20 UTC)
- **Operator:** National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA)
- **Manufacturer:** Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL)
- **Launch Weight:** 100 kilograms
- **Spacecraft Bus:** SSTL-100
- **Launch Vehicle:** Dnepr (a converted Satan ICBM)
- **Orbit Type:** Sun-synchronous orbit
- **Launch Site:** Dombarovsky
- **Identifiers:** COSPAR ID 2011-044C; SCN 37790

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of NigeriaSat-X?
A: NigeriaSat-X serves a dual purpose as an Earth observation satellite and a training vehicle. It is designed to observe Earth from orbit while providing hands-on experience for Nigerian scientists and engineers in satellite technology.

### Q: Who manufactured NigeriaSat-X?
A: The satellite was manufactured by Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL) based on the SSTL-100 spacecraft bus. It was developed in collaboration with Nigeria's National Space Research and Development Agency.

### Q: How was NigeriaSat-X launched into orbit?
A: It was launched on August 17, 2011, from Dombarovsky using a Dnepr rocket. The Dnepr is a satellite launch vehicle converted from a Satan ICBM.

### Q: What is the mass of NigeriaSat-X?
A: The satellite has a launch weight of 100 kilograms.

## Why It Matters
NigeriaSat-X represents a significant step in the development of Nigeria’s national space program. By functioning as both an operational Earth observation tool and a training satellite, it facilitates the transfer of high-tech skills to Nigerian engineers while providing essential orbital data. The mission highlights the National Space Research and Development Agency's (NASRDA) efforts to establish a sustainable presence in space. 

The use of the SSTL-100 bus and the Dnepr launch vehicle demonstrates the integration of proven commercial satellite technology with repurposed military hardware for peaceful scientific purposes. As an Earth observation satellite, it contributes to the global class of artificial satellites designed to monitor the planet's surface and environment from a Sun-synchronous orbit.

## Notable For
- **Training Platform:** Specifically designated as a training satellite to build technical capacity within Nigeria's space agency.
- **SSTL-100 Bus:** Utilizes the specialized SSTL-100 spacecraft bus architecture developed by Surrey Satellite Technology.
- **ICBM Launch:** Deployed using a Dnepr rocket, which is a converted Soviet-era Satan Intercontinental Ballistic Missile.
- **Sun-Synchronous Orbit:** Positioned in a specific orbit that allows it to pass over any given point of the Earth's surface at the same local solar time.

## Body

### Technical Specifications
NigeriaSat-X is classified as an Earth observation satellite with a launch weight of 100 kilograms. It was constructed using the SSTL-100 spacecraft bus, a platform developed by Surrey Satellite Technology. The satellite is identified in international registries by the COSPAR ID 2011-044C and the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 37790.

### Launch and Orbital Profile
The satellite was launched on August 17, 2011, at 07:12:20 UTC. The launch took place at Dombarovsky, utilizing a Dnepr launch vehicle (specifically qualifier 450-3261-319). Following its launch, NigeriaSat-X was placed into a Sun-synchronous orbit, a common orbit for Earth observation missions that ensures consistent lighting conditions for imaging.

### Mission Management
The satellite is owned and operated by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) of Nigeria. While Surrey Satellite Technology served as the manufacturer, the mission was characterized by its focus on training Nigerian personnel, often referred to by the alias "NX." The project is part of a broader class of artificial satellites designed specifically to observe Earth from orbit for environmental and developmental monitoring.

## References

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