SSTL... New NigeriaSat-2 Note: Launch In October

SSTL has informed SatNews the launch the NigeriaSat-2 and NigeriaSat-X satellites on behalf of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) by a Dnepr launch vehicle from Yasny, Russia, will occur on October 29, 2010. NigeriaSat-2 is the most advanced small satellite ever to be launched, defining new standards in Earth observation and avionics.

The spacecraft, which is based upon SSTL's flagship SSTL-300i platform, will be used primarily for resource management and mapping of the Nigerian territory. Its mission objectives include providing high resolution maps of Nigeria every four months, monthly monitoring of Nigerian crops for food supply security, and supporting the development of the Nigerian national Geographical Information System (GIS) by providing high quality geospatial data. The NigeriaSat-2 spacecraft uses one of the most capable platforms in its class, which when combined with its two SSTL-built optical payloads provides highly capable and flexible multi-mode operation for spot imaging, strip imaging, area mode imaging and stereo mode imaging.