SSTL has today announced that it will launch the NigeriaSat-2 and NigeriaSat-X satellites on behalf of the Nigerian National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) by a Dnepr launch vehicle from Yasny, Russia 17th August 2011.
Both NigeriaSat-2 and NigeriaSat-X will be launched into the Disaster Monitoring Constellation, where they will assist with disaster relief and global environmental monitoring campaigns alongside satellites from other consortium members ASAL (Algeria), BLMIT (China), Deimos Space (Spain) and SSTL (UK).
A joint SSTL and NASRDA team performed the launch campaign tasks in Yasny, ensuring that both satellites are healthy and ready to launch.
SSTL Executive Chairman, Sir Martin Sweeting, will accompany a delegation of 12 Nigerian VIPs including NASRDA head, Dr S.O Mohammed, for the historic launch. Both satellites will significantly boost African capabilities for natural resource management.
About SSTL
Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) is the world's leading small satellite company, delivering operational space missions for a range of applications including Earth observation, science and communications. The Company designs, manufactures and operates high performance satellites and ground systems for a fraction of the price normally associated with space missions, with over 350 staff working on turnkey satellite platforms, space-proven satellite subsystems and optical instruments.
Since 1981 SSTL has built and launched 34 satellites – as well as providing training and development programmes, consultancy services, and mission studies for ESA, NASA , international governments and commercial customers, with its innovative approach that is changing the economics of space.
Based in Guildford, UK, SSTL is owned by EADS Astrium NV.
www.sstl.co.uk