The introduction and launch of the first African Satellite television by the National Space Research and Development Agency is a thing of joy. Indeed, the director general of NASRDA Dr Halilu Ahmad Shaba needs to be commended for achieving this milestone, the first of its kind in Africa.

The space television station which is an online television station is broadcast by satellite with simulcast over the internet. Local cable television providers across the country and amateur television repeaters may carry this particular online television station created by NASRDA at their own discretion as the created content is considered a work of the agency and it is within the public domain. The NASRDA television is unique because it is particularly available via various cable, satellite and over the top media services around the world. This network was created and launched on Wednesday to provide NASRDA’s managers and engineers with real video of missions. The NASRDA’s television is operating this service for archival purposes and in order to provide media outlets with video footages.

The television station launched is expected to air a large amount of educational programming and provides live coverage of an array of manned missions, robotic missions, domestic and international launches. The network is digitally transmitted. The satellite links uses the DVB-S systems for transmissions.

The important thing that is unique about this satellite and online television is that it is actually three accessible digital channels. It has the NASRDA public transmission in HD, features coverage of NASRDA’s missions and events plus documentaries, archival and other special programming. This is the NASRDA’s television most often carried by cable and satellite. The NASRDA educational is expected to provide programming to schools, educational institutions and science museums. The NASRDA media is to provide coverages in HD of news conferences and relevant video and audio materials to national and international news gathering organisations. The NASRDA television created programmes are streamed on the web.

All we need is access to the computer and the NASRDA TV public media and educational channels. The channels are basically free to air, meaning your cable or satellite services provider can carry each at all cost. What the viewer needs is to contact his local and satellite service provider about carrying any NASRDA’s TV channels.

The creation of this television channels underscores the agency’s and the governments realisation and importance of the potential of space technology and explorative activities in addressing real life challenges and improving the conditions of living of its citizenry.

The management of NASRDA, ably led by the ebullient Dr Halilu Ahmad Shaba must be commended for living up to the expectations and demands of Nigeria. Since it came on board, the management of the agency has achieved many firsts. Today, the space television is again the first television station created by a space agency in Africa.

The greatest joy in the space television launched by NASRDA is the fact that it has one hundred percent local content. This development has gone to show that the can-do-Nigerian spirit is at work at NASRDA.
Source: This Day