The first high resolution satellite imagery has been released from NigeriaSat-2, a 300kg class earth observation satellite manufactured by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) for the Nigerian space agency (NASRDA).
Benefiting from a high performance camera with optical components manufactured by Optical Surfaces (Kenley, UK), the satellite has been able to capture stunning 2.5m resolution images enabling detailed analysis of ground structures, aircraft and vehicles.
NigeriaSat-2 carries two imagers: a 2.5m resolution panchromatic and a 5m resolution multispectral with a swath width of 20km. Using proprietary production techniques, Optical Surfaces produced the 385mm light-weight primary mirror, and other optics in the Cassegrain camera, with a surface accuracy of lambda/20 p-v that has enabled the high resolution images taken by the satellite.
During disasters, NigeriaSat-2 will complement its fellow Disaster Monitoring Constellation satellites by using its high resolution imager to 'zoom in' on areas of interest and determine if individual buildings are damaged, bridges destroyed or roads impassable. It is also the first satellite in the African Resource Management (ARM) constellation.
Nigeria's national space agency (NASRDA) also plans to harness the satellite's new capabilities and fast image downloading to map the entire country in detail every four months. The high resolution and geo-location accuracy of the satellite make it possible to monitor urban development in sprawling cities such as Lagos, and for planning infrastructure such as roads. Geospatial data will also be used to update the land registry with accurate and current information.
