CBSS is one of the six activity centres of National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Abuja. It is charged with the responsibility of conducting fundamental research in Space Science (from Astronomy to Atmospheric Sciences), as well as coordinating such research activities in our Universities and Research Institutes. It was established in 2001, with the temporary site in UNN; the centre has its fenced permanent site also in Nsukka.
The primary aim of the centre is to initiate and foster the growth of Basic Space Research in Nigeria in a highly coordinated manner in collaboration with NASRDA Centres, Network of International Partners in advanced countries, Nigerian Universities, Educational Institutions, Government Research Institutes and the Private sector such as NIMET, Nigerian Telecommunications, Radio and TV Broadcasting.
CBSS is building a strong research unit capable of handling the numerous challenges of the centre with highly skilled M.Sc and Ph.D researchers.
The mandate of the centre includes:
- Conducting research to expand the frontiers of knowledge in Atmospheric Science and Astronomy.
- The development of skills and knowledge of researchers.
- Enhancement of international collaboration with other centres with similar interests, in well defined projects, in such a way that Nigerian scientists and engineers must ab-initio be involved in the development process.
- Promotion of the introduction of atmospheric sciences and astronomy into the curricular at all levels of our educational systems.
- Design, fabrication and patent of space science and technology instruments and products, and appropriate hardware and software.
- Promotion of outreach and awareness programs capable of exciting young minds and disseminating to the general public the tremendous benefits derivable from space science & technology.
- Encouragement of relevant activities in other to provide the much needed physics education required for a thorough understanding of studies and problems in other areas of space science applications.
- To serve the distinct advisory and policy – making roles to government and non – governmental agencies.
National Collaborators:
- University of Lagos (UNILAG)
- University of Nigeria (UNN)
- River state University of Science and Tech. Port Harcourt (RSUST)
- University of Jos (UNIJOS)
- Federal University of Science & Tech, Minna (FUT Minna)
- Federal University of Science & Tech, Akure (FUTA)
- Centre for Transport & Propulsion (CTP), Epe, Lagos
- University of Agriculture, Markurdi (UNIAGRIC)
- Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET)
International collaborators:
- National Observatory Japan (NAOJ)
- South African Astronomical Observatory, South Africa.
- University of Delaware, USA.
- University of Dublin
- University of Island
- Harvard Smithsonian centre, Cambridge, USA.
- HartRAO, South Africa.
Facilities:
- CBSS has acquired 2 optical telescope 25cm & 15cm in diameter, with CCD cameras.
- CBSS Engineers in consultation with other engineers have successfully constructed an electronically operated dome for the 25cm.
- CBSS has successfully set up ‘NECOP’ network of 5 stations, in Abuja, Nsukka, Lagos, Markurdi and Port Harcourt. Installation of another set of 6 stations in different parts of the country has just commenced to expand the network to 11 stations. This will be used to monitor and study Nigeria real – time weather, climate and environmental threats.
- CBSS is expecting a complete functional 3m radio telescope donated to us by GIFU University.
- CBSS has a network of 3 stations for microwave research in Nigeria, located in Nsukka, Abakaliki & Akure.
- CBSS has a network of 4 stations for solar research.
- CBSS is embarking on the construction of 30m radio telescope by 2008.
- CBSS has successfully floated a journal – Nigerian Journal of Space Research NJSR, which publishes twice yearly original research findings in all aspects of Space Science & Technology in Nigeria and World in general.
- CBSS has a monthly publication called CBSS NEWSLETTER, which reveals current developments in and around the centre, and global discoveries in space science & technology.
The importance of CBSS to Nigeria
- Fundamental research leading to new technologies & research findings for application of National Interest, with spin–offs capable of tremendous revenue generation with global recognition and independence.
- Radio & Optical Astronomy Instrumentation involve extremely high technologies, and Engineers & Scientists engaged in such technologies will be excellent consultants in Nigeria industries. Astronomy Instrumentation & Development is therefore a technology driver.
- Local designs for tapping solar energy & radiations, and variability research will result in new inventions of great economic value.
- Fundamental research in microwave, which we are currently engaged in leads to accurate design of radio transmitters and receivers in Nigeria that will enhance radio communication.
- Our Nigerian Environmental & Climatic Observing Program (NECOP) project will be able to give real time data on weather variability & predict possible hazards in regions vulnera