PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES OF SPACE TECHNOLOGY IN NIGERIAN NAVYÂ MARITIME OPERATIONS
PREFACE
This paper is on prospects and challenges of space technology in Nigerian Navy maritime operations. The NN maritime operations have evolved through stages which are defined by the NN constitutional mandate. The integration of space technology into the NN maritime operations has the potentials to greatly improve the performance of the NN military and policing roles. This is more so as the NN has found it increasingly difficult to effectively patrol the wide sea area of Nigerian maritime environment. The paper therefore examines the employment of space technology in NN maritime operations by looking at the conduct of NN maritime operations. The policy framework of Nigerian Space programme was also discussed. The employment of space technology in NN maritime operations was considered before highlighting the challenges facing employment of space technology in NN maritime operations. To address these challenges, the paper proffered the way forward which is sound indigenous technological base and establishment of military space command, among others.
PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES OF SPACE TECHNOLOGY IN NIGERIAN NAVY MARITIME OPERATIONS
INTRODUCTION
The advancements in science and technology has had an outstanding impact on the activities of man particularly since the early twentieth century.[1] The advancement has resulted in some radical transformation in man’s life and has revolutionized several aspect of man’s civilization. This is evident in man’s achievements in areas like computer technology, medicine, energy, transportation, building, military advancement, and space technology, among others.[2] In the field of space technology, manmade exceptional breakthrough with the first landing on the moon.[3]
Although the crave for space exploration was spurred by the competitiveness during the Cold War between the United States (US) and the defunct Union of Soviet Socialist Republic it invariably created a platform for the advancement in space technology.[4] Since then, the development of space technology has positively impacted several aspect of human development from the weather to the advancements in communication and defence systems. Owing to the benefit of space technology, advanced countries such as Japan, United Kingdom and the US have continued to commit huge investment to research in space technology. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in the Financial Year 2011 about 572.2 million US Dollars has been budgeted for space technology development activities.[5] A substantial amount of this budget plan is for research in space technology for defence need.
The adaptation of space technology especially for military use has had enormous impact on defence capabilities of super power nations.[6] Some of the advancement in the military includes the guided missiles, missile warning alert, weather, chart updates and high capacity military communication system. Despite these achievements the artificial satellite remains a major breakthrough in the exploration of space technology. The use of satellite, among other applications, is essential for effective conduct of military operations particularly in the air and maritime environment.[7]
4. Space technology in maritime operations creates a great capacity for any littoral nation to manage its waterways effectively as it relate to national security.[8] It is also necessary for prompt and reliable information transmission, monitoring of deep sea platforms and offshore installations in maritime operations.[9] This has made navies of some African countries like South Africa, Algeria and Egypt to tap into their respective space based national assets to enhance the conduct of their maritime operations.
