The Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA), a US-based for-profit company, is launching a groundbreaking initiative to increase spaceflight opportunities for citizens from countries with limited space presence. Following their success in sending Brazil’s second astronaut to space in June 2022, SERA is now preparing for its next mission: a flight with six participants aboard an upcoming Blue Origin New Shepard mission, with one seat reserved for a Nigerian citizen.

SERA’s mission aims to democratize space access, providing opportunities for individuals from underrepresented countries to experience space travel. This initiative not only highlights the company’s commitment to global inclusivity in space exploration but also sets a precedent for future space missions to consider diverse participation.

A public online voting process will determine the Nigerian candidate for the mission. According to SERA’s co-founders, Sam Hutchison and Joshua Skurla, any healthy adult resident of Nigeria with basic English language proficiency can apply for the mission. Candidates will need to campaign for votes from the public, with the voting process secured by blockchain technology to ensure fairness and transparency.

In a significant development, SERA has signed a partnership agreement with Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA). This collaboration aims to amplify the mission’s impact and facilitate scientific experiments conducted by the crew in space. The partnership underscores Nigeria’s growing interest in space exploration and its commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation.

Uche Godfrey Nnaji, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation and Science, emphasized the importance of this mission, stating that sending a Nigerian to space is not merely a “random aspiration” but a “major objective” for the country. This mission represents a significant step towards achieving Nigeria’s long-term goals in space exploration and technological advancement.

SERA’s initiative to include a Nigerian citizen in its upcoming spaceflight marks a pivotal moment for both the company and Nigeria. By fostering international collaboration and expanding access to space, SERA is paving the way for a more inclusive future in space exploration. The upcoming mission promises not only to inspire a new generation of space enthusiasts in Nigeria but also to contribute valuable scientific knowledge through the experiments conducted by the crew.

In conclusion, SERA’s commitment to increasing spaceflight opportunities for developing countries, coupled with its innovative selection process and strategic partnership with NASRDA, highlights a significant advancement in global space exploration efforts. This initiative is set to bring Nigeria closer to its space aspirations and showcase the potential for international cooperation in the realm of space science.