What do you know about ARCSSTE-E? Join us in taking a closer look at what ARCSSTE-E represents.
ARCSSTE-E – African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English
Some Frequently Asked Questions about ARCSSTE-E…
1. What is ARCSSTE-E?
ARCSSTE-E is an acronym for the African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English. It is a regional training institute, affiliated to the United Nations, that is dedicated to developing human capacity in Space Science and Technology (SST) for English-speaking African countries. The Centre was inaugurated in November 24, 1998 by the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) as one of the six (6) regional Centres of the United Nations established around the globe. ARCSSTE-E came under the management of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) as a Research Activity Centre on May 5, 1999 to promote human capacity building in SST applications, among others.
2. Where is ARCSSTE-E located?
The Centre is located within the campus of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
3. What is the Mission of ARCSSTE-E?
ARCSSTE-E’s mission is to educate and train African professionals in space science and technology, support research and innovation, carry out outreach programmes, and strengthen the African continent’s capacity to apply space-based tools for sustainable national, regional and continental development.
4. What are the Mandates of ARCSSTE-E?
The Centre aims to:
- Develop, through in-depth education, an indigenous capability for research and applications in the core areas of SST for sustainable development of Africa.
- Undertake Space Education and Outreach Programmes to create public awareness of the benefits of space to humanity and popularize space science education in African institutions, thereby demystifying the notion of space.
- Promote research in Space Science and Technology.
- Enhance regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing among African institutions.
5. Who manages the activities of ARCSSTE-E?
ARCSSTE-E is managed by a Director and supported by academic and administrative staff, with guidance from a Management Board that includes Representatives of the twenty-five (25) Member States from Anglophone African countries. The Centre doubles as one of the Activity Centres of the Nigerian Space Agency, NASRDA, under the leadership of its Director-General.
6. What educational programmes does ARCSSTE-E offer?
The Centre provides:
- Postgraduate Degree Programmes {9-month Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) and 18-month Masters (M.Sc.)} in Space Science and Technology (SST) in collaboration with two (2) notable National Universities namely, the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Akure, Ondo State and the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.
- Short Courses, Workshops, and specialized Trainings for professionals and other stakeholders.
- Research opportunities and thesis supervision for advanced studies.
- Conduct outreach programmes for primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions
7. What fields of study are available at ARCSSTE-E?
Key areas of training in PGD and M.Sc. programmes include:
- Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Satellite Meteorology and Global Climate
- Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)
- Space Law and Policy
- Satellite Communications
- Space and Atmospheric Science
8. What facilities and resources does ARCSSTE-E have?
ARCSSTE-E is equipped with:
- Teaching and research laboratories
- Computer laboratories with specialized software for space applications
- Access to satellite data and analytical tools
- Reference and digital libraries
- E-learning platforms for virtual teaching and online classes
9. How does ARCSSTE-E support research and innovation?
The Centre fosters research that applies space science to real-world challenges such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, disaster management, and natural resource planning. It encourages publication, collaboration and interdisciplinary projects.
10. How does ARCSSTE-E contribute to Africa’s Development?
- By training experts and generating knowledge:
- Utilize satellite data for agriculture, water resources, health, and climate resilience
- Develop space-related industries and services
- Strengthen national institutions with skilled professionals
11. Can students from outside Nigeria attend ARCSSTE-E?
Yes. ARCSSTE-E serves students and professionals from across English-speaking African countries, promoting regional integration and shared capacity building.
12. Does ARCSSTE-E collaborate with other organizations?
Yes, ARCSSTE-E works with international space agencies, universities, research centres, and United Nations bodies to expand training, share data, and support joint research.
13. Are there scholarship or funding opportunities?
The Centre facilitates access to scholarships, grants, and sponsorships for eligible students and professionals, often with support from partner organizations and funding agencies.
14. How can one apply to ARCSSTE-E programmes?
Prospective applicants can apply through ARCSSTE-E’s official website, having met the specified academic and professional requirements. Check www.arcsstee.org.ng for details.
15. Why is ARCSSTE-E important for Africa’s Space Community?
ARCSSTE-E is a key institution for building a skilled workforce, advancing space science and technology, and enabling African nations to harness space technologies for socio-economic transformation as well as sustainable national, regional and continental development.