BY OKPAIRE GODSENT OSEHON
A space physicist, Prof. Babatunde Rabiu, has called on Nigeria and other developing countries to take inspiration from the recent Artemis II Moon mission by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and prioritise investment in science, research, and technology.
Rabiu, who is a Research Director at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), made the call on Monday in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He described the Artemis II mission, conducted on April 1, as a landmark achievement under NASA’s broader Artemis programme, which aims to return humans to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years and pave the way for future deep space missions, including exploration of Mars.
According to Rabiu, the mission represents a major scientific breakthrough and highlights the impact of sustained investment in research and innovation.
“It is a breakthrough and a clear demonstration of human intelligence at work. It reflects years of deliberate planning, cutting-edge research, and sustained funding,” he said.
He noted that Artemis II is the result of nearly a decade of structured development, which began around 2017, stressing that such achievements are built on long-term commitment rather than short-term efforts.
“The Orion capsule and other technologies involved have undergone years of development. This mission did not happen overnight,” he explained.
Rabiu added that the programme builds on the success of Artemis I, an uncrewed mission launched in 2022 to test spacecraft systems in deep space before human involvement.
“That mission successfully travelled to the Moon and returned, laying the groundwork for Artemis II, which now includes human participation,” he said.
He clarified that the primary objective of the mission is not to establish permanent human settlement on the Moon, but to advance space exploration capabilities and test critical technologies.
“The Moon cannot support long-term human habitation without controlled environments. Astronauts can only stay briefly in enclosed systems before returning,” he said.
Rabiu explained that a key goal of the mission is to assess the performance and reliability of the Orion capsule in transporting humans beyond low Earth orbit, as well as to conduct scientific experiments and gather data about the Moon’s environment.
He also highlighted milestones achieved during the mission, including diverse crew representation and the capture of rare images of Earth and the Moon from deep space.
Beyond its scientific significance, Rabiu urged developing nations, particularly in Africa, to see the mission as a call to action.
“It should inspire us to realise that no country has a monopoly on space exploration. With the right investment in science and technology, we too can achieve great things,” he said.
He noted that the global excitement surrounding the mission underscores the universal appeal of science and its ability to unite people across borders.
“Science is universal, and the enthusiasm we are seeing shows that people everywhere want to be part of such progress,” he added.
Rabiu called on Nigerian policymakers, leaders, and investors to strengthen local institutions and support research-driven initiatives.
“This is not the time for rhetoric. It requires serious commitment, proper funding, and support for the right people,” he said.
He further emphasised that space technology offers practical benefits for developing countries, particularly in areas such as security, communication, and environmental monitoring.
“Space technology can enhance national security through accurate data and surveillance. These are advantages we cannot afford to ignore,” he said.
Rabiu stressed that achieving meaningful progress would require collaboration across multiple sectors, including science, engineering, media, and policymaking.
“The success of Artemis II involved contributions from various stakeholders, including those who advocated for funding and raised awareness. It goes beyond science alone,” he said.
He urged developing nations to learn from the mission and take decisive steps toward advancing their scientific capabilities.
“If others can achieve this, we can do even more. The time to act is now,” he added.