NigComSat-1R, a Nigerian geostationary communications satellite will outlive its usefulness this year, meaning that the satellite will expire anytime now.
NigComSat-1R was launched by China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) for Nigeria on December 19, 2011, as a replacement for the failed NigComSat-1.
NigComSat-1 which was put in the orbit in May 2007, was de-orbited in November 2008 following the development of power fault.
It was replaced with NigComSat-1R by the same company and has a lifespan of 15 years.
Positioned at 42.5°E, it provides C, Ku, Ka, and L-band services across Africa, Europe, and parts of Asia for broadcasting and internet.
Should the satellite fail, support for television broadcasting, internet connectivity, and secure communications for government and private sectors, may be affected.
The satellite is currently been controlled from China since 2019 following technical issues with the Abuja control station.
NigComSat-1R is currently the only active communications satellite managed by NIGCOMSAT Limited, though it operates alongside other Nigerian observation satellites.
