Nigeria, Russia MOU will boost space science - NASRDA DG

The National Space Research Development Agency (NASRDA) says the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Nigeria and Russia on exploration of outer space will foster the cooperation of both countries for peaceful purposes.

Saidu Mohammed, the Director General of NASRDA told the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja, that the agreement would enhance their cooperation in the use of outer space for peaceful purposes.

According to him, the agreement would also encourage cooperation in areas of astrophysical research, planetary studies, remote sensing of the earth from space meteorology, satellite navigation and associated technologies and services, exchange of information and technical meetings.

"The agreement is mindful of the provision of the UN treaty on principles governing the activities of the states and exploration of the outer space including the moon and other celestial bodies of January 27, 1967, '' he said.

Mr. Mohammed also said that the National Centre for Remote Sensing had been using earth
observation in areas of agriculture, mineral exploration, water study, irrigation
command and environmental monitoring.

He said that the use earth observation satellite for the production of land mapping improves quality of images, adding that the agreement would boost other alternative satellite images too. The mapping according to the Director General will also be used for land evaluation to know the type of crops to grow on a particular soil type through land capability classification assessment.

The agreement will end in 2014.