Introduction
The National Space Museum is to conserve the heritage of the Nigerian Space program. It is located at the headquarters campus of the National Space Research and Development Agency, Abuja. The museum is where the Nigerian Space journey is being showcased to visitors and it has notable collections of Nigerian space-based artifacts. On a trip to the museum a visitor will be taken through by NASRDA scientist and engineers on how/when the Nigerian Space program started, where it is now and the future plans of the Agency.
The National Space Museum was commissioned on the 25th April, 2019 by the honorable minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonanya Onu mni. Also present for the commissioning was the senate committee chairman on science and technology, member of the house committee of science and technology, representative of Canada and Russian government and other dignitaries.
Some of the artifacts include models of the 5 satellites launched by Nigeria e.g. NigeriaSat-1, NigeriaSat-X (which was built by Nigerian Engineers and scientists), NigComSat-1, NigComSat-1R and most especially the flight qualified Structural Qualified Model (SQM) of Nigeria Sat-2 which is the exact replica of the structure of Nigeriasat-2 in orbit. Rockets models used in launching various Nigerian satellites, other space technological products, astronomy and space application products.
Other areas of interest include:
Meteorite:
In May,2010, an object suspected to be meteorite exploded in midair and landed in Tse-Atov TseFedah in Ukum LGA of Benue State of Nigeria about 17km from Zaki-Biam. The meteorites which were found 2km apart
Also on a 12th march, 2016 in Tse-Agena area of Mbatyula in Takum local government area of Taraba state meteorites landed
Astronomical Corner:
The astronomical corner has on display various NASRDA activities on space, narrations about outer space and the study of astronomy. It is a corner in the museum dedicated in pursuit of part of the Road Map of NASRDA which is to have a Nigerian in Space. On display is the bust of the first man in Space, Yurin Gagarin, Neil Armstrong and a space dedicated to the first Nigerian astronaut who is unknown.
Astronaut Corner
Space Ambassador Corner: it is designed as a hall of fame for winners of the various categories of the Space Ambassadors Scheme. It is also a platform to encourage young people to aspire to excel in the area of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) which is the bedrock of Space science and technology.
Julie Payette Corner: During the visit of the Governor General of Canada to NASRDA she presented some gifts to the Agency in her capacity as an astronaut of repute and her work in the Space Science and Technology both in Canada and worldwide. Thus in her honor, a corner to show case these gifts with some of them being used during her journey to space on board the International Space Station (ISS) are displayed at the National Space Museum.
Visitors to the Museum:
More than 2000 visitors have visited the National Space Museum since its commissioning by the honorable minister in 2019. Some important visits to the National Space Museum include:
