Spatially Referenced 7-D Data Paradigm for the Survival of Nigeria’s Indigenous Satellite Technology Campaigns

Abstract

To effectively model the orbits of a Nigerian based satellite, and to use the orbital results to learn more about the earth’s gravity field, and other geospatial phenomena we must deal with certain non-gravitational orbital parameters such as x, y, z coordinates, atmospheric drag (ad), solar and terrestrial radiation pressure (p), time differential (Δt), density (ρ), mass (m) and temperature (t). The quest for indigenous satellite technologies and infrastructure (launcher and own-satellite) by Nigeria in 2015 calls for a comprehensive and reliable national spatially referenced 7-D database development for the survival and management of the earth and space based infrastructure in the satellite campaigns and strategic plans. This paper attempts a discussion on spatially referenced 7-D data paradigm for the survival of Nigeria’s indigenous satellite technology campaigns. The seven data matrix include position (x, y), height (h), gravity (g), difference in time (Δt), solar and terrestrial radiation pressure (p), and temperature (t). It also underscores the consequences of poor astro-geodynamic data culture in Nigeria as it affects satellite technology infrastructure development and management.