Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has partnered with the U.S.-based Space Exploration & Research Agency (SERA) to select the country’s first-ever community-chosen astronaut. The collaboration marks Nigeria’s first official move toward human spaceflight and signals its ambition to play a role in the growing global space economy.
Unlike traditional astronaut programs that draw candidates from military pilots or scientists, SERA’s model opens the process to the public. Through a blockchain-powered platform called Mission Control, any Nigerian over 18 can register to participate as a candidate, science experiment proposer, or supporter. Candidates earn “SpaceDust” points through tasks and campaigns, with finalists eventually voted on by the community.
The winner will secure a seat on Blue Origin’s New Shepard suborbital flight, experiencing 11 minutes in space, including four minutes of microgravity.
“This partnership aligns with our vision of expanding Nigeria’s space presence beyond satellites to human spaceflight,” said NASRDA Director General, Matthew Olumide Adepoju.
The initiative was facilitated by the Learnspace Foundation, led by Anne Agi, who described it as a move that would ensure inclusivity in Nigeria’s space journey.
Nigeria has launched multiple satellites in the past two decades, but no Nigerian has traveled to space. By opening the selection process, the country hopes to inspire public interest and highlight the potential of the “overview effect”—the transformative perspective astronauts gain when viewing Earth from orbit.
Experts note that Nigeria risks being left behind if it does not actively engage in the “offworld economy,” which is already attracting investments in private space stations, biotechnology, and orbital research. With this partnership, Nigeria is positioning itself to claim a foothold in that future.
