The Nigeria Communication Satellite Ltd. refuted Wednesday in Abuja that allegations that NigComsat-1,Africa's first communication satellite, was missing in orbit, according to the official News Agency of Nigeria.
Ahmed Rufai, managing director of NigComsat Ltd. told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the satellite was powered down after some technical problems were identified on Sunday night.
He said that the satellite was fully insured against any unforeseen damage, destruction or any problem capable of incapacitating its operations.
"In the event of any destruction, including loss of the satellite, it will be replaced as it is 100 per cent insured," he said.
The satellite was designed to serve as the strategic backbone for the nation's communication industry.
It was also meant to provide the much-needed bridge to close the digital divide being experienced by African nations and provide the enabling platform for Africa to be relevant in today's information age and digital economy.
NIGCOMSAT-1 project was to cover services requirements in the intelligence, security and surveillance sectors.
It was also designed to cover the agriculture, environment, banking, oil and gas, education, telecommunication, Internet services, broadcasting and navigation sectors among others.
Some Nigerian local media quoted unnamed sources as saying on Tuesday that the satellite was "missing" in its launch position in orbit.
Source: Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article