The main thrust of the Agency’s activities is geared towards making space science and technology application an integral part of the overall strategies for sustainable national development. The mandates of the Agency as contained in the NASRDA Act 2010 are as follows:
- Encourage capacity building in space science technology development & management, thereby strengthening human resources development required for the implementation of the national space programmes.
- Develop satellite technology for various applications and operationalize indigenous
- space systems for providing space services and shall be the government agency charged with the responsibility for building and launching satellites;
- Enhance the development and entrenchment of research, development and production tradition in the Agency, so as to achieve a high output and make the desired impact on national economic and social development;
- Promote the co-ordination of space application programmes, for the purpose of optimizing resources and develop space technologies of direct relevance to national objectives;
- Develop national strategies for the exploitation of the outer space and make these part of the overall national development strategies for promoting private sector participation in the space industry.
- Establish and supervise relevant centers and units for the purpose of executing the national space programme.
- Establish information network to promote exchange of information in order to facilitate communication and transmission of data concerning the activities of the Agency;
- Collaborate with international research, non-governmental organizations, universities, industries and other national and international space agencies and authorities.
- Promote active participation of Nigeria in the activities of the united Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and other United Nations Specialized Agencies involved in space science and technology applications;
- Provide support for universities and other academic institutions in the country for research and development projects relevant to the national space programme.
- Be the repository of all satellite data over Nigeria’s territory and accordingly, all collaborations and consultations in space data related matters in Nigeria shall be carried out or undertaken by or with the Agency;
- Review the national policy on space including long range goals and develop a strategy for national space issues; and
- Undertake such other activities as are necessary or expedient for the carrying out of the functions of the Agency and promotion of space science and technology in Nigeria.