Nigeria to Select First Astronaut Through Public Vote
Nigeria is taking a giant leap toward space exploration by partnering with the U.S.-based Space Exploration & Research Agency (SERA) to select its first astronaut. This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), aims to involve the community in choosing the individual who will represent the nation in space, marking Nigeria’s entry into human spaceflight and the burgeoning “offworld economy.”
Democratizing Space Exploration
Traditionally, space travel has been exclusive to a select few nations like the United States, Russia, and China, with astronauts chosen from elite groups of military personnel, scientists, and engineers. SERA, founded by Joshua Skurla and Sam Hutchison, is challenging this status quo. They envision a future where space exploration is more inclusive. According to Hutchison, SERA’s goal is to revolutionize the space culture by empowering the community to decide who gets to go to space. SERA, branding itself as a “space agency for you, by you,” will utilize its Mission Control platform, a Telegram mini-app, to facilitate this democratic selection process.
This collaboration signifies a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s space ambitions, paving the way for greater participation in the global space arena and fostering a sense of national pride and excitement. By opening the selection process to the public, Nigeria and SERA are democratizing access to space and inspiring a new generation of scientists, engineers, and dreamers across the nation.
Keywords
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